Seoul requiem for Vietnamese soldiers killed during Gac Ma battle
A requiem to pray for Vietnamese soldiers, who died during a battle to defend Gac Ma island in Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago 29 years ago, was held in Phung Nguyen pagoda in Seoul, the Republic of Korea (RoK) on April 9.
Speaking at the event, nun Thich Nu Gioi Tanh expressed gratitude towards soldiers who fought to protect national sea and island sovereignty, stressing that Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa archipelagoes are integral parts of the country.
Participants recalled the battle and sacrifices of the soldiers killed in action at Gac Ma (Johnson South) Reef in Vietnam’s Truong Sa archipelago on March 14, 1988.
In the framework of the event, an exhibition was arranged, introducing ancient documents affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes, and photos related to China’s illegal actions.
The requiem and photo exhibition promoted solidarity among Vietnamese communities in the RoK and helped RoK friends understand more about historical evidence affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over the archipelagoes.