The delegation, including Buddhist clerics, is scheduled to visit eight islands off the southcentral coastal province of Khanh Hoa, including Sinh Ton Dong (Survival) and Song Tu Tay (Western Double Deaths) islands, to pay tribute to fallen soldiers at the Martyrs Monument and President Ho at his shrine.

They will also pray at pagodas on islands and attend memorial services at sea for fallen sailors who sacrificed their lives in safeguarding Vietnam’s sea and island sovereignty.

During a fieldtrip to the marine block DK1, one of seven logistics and technical services stations in Vietnamese waters in the East Sea, the delegation will have the chance to talk with workers and sailors located there and present them with gifts.

Before departure, Trieu Thi Ngoan from the Nung ethnic minority group, who is Deputy President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front of the Central Highland province of Dak Lak, confided that this was the first and long awaiting trip.

Her view was shared by Most Venerable Danh Lung of the Khmer ethnic minority, who heads Chantarangsay pagoda in HCM City. Both said they will bring heartfelt love and admiration from their tribes and religion to sailors who are courageously defending the national islands and seas.