(VOVworld) – A memorial service was held at Co Lin – Len Dao area of the Truong Sa archipelago in the central province of Khanh Hoa on Friday to pay tribute to heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives defending the country’s sovereignty over the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago. 

The event was part of a working trip of officials from central agencies and Ho Chi Minh City authority, led by Nguyen Van Dua, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh city’s Party Committee. 

Speaking at the event, Rear Admiral Dinh Gia That, Political Commissar of the Vietnam People’s Navy, recalled an incident 25 years ago on March 14, 1988, when 64 Vietnamese marine officials and soldiers fought fearlessly to their last breath against foreign naval warships which had invaded and attacked Vietnamese waters. Mr. That affirmed that despite the hardships and difficulties, Truong Sa soldiers are always ready to defend the nation’s sacred sovereignty over the sea and islands, making Truong Sa a powerful and everlasting inspiration to the nation.