[In Pictures] Journalists pay tribute to fallen Soldiers at Gac Ma

As part of Delegation No. 25’s journey, a memorial service was solemnly held in the waters of Gac Ma, Co Lin, and Len Dao to honour 64 officers and soldiers who bravely laid down their lives to defend the nation’s maritime territory.

A long, echoing horn sounded from the KN-290 vessel. Members of the delegation stood in reverent silence, with heads bowed in tribute.

In an atmosphere of solemnity, the 100-member delegation, comprising press leaders and reporters from across the country, stood in silence to pay homage to the 64 fallen officers and soldiers.

This act of remembrance affirms that the epic tragedy of Gac Ma will never be forgotten, nor will the brave soldiers who resolutely defended the sacred territory of the Fatherland in the East Sea/South China Sea.

Delegation No. 25 pays heartfelt tribute to the 64 officers and soldiers who courageously gave their lives in defence of the nation’s sovereignty.

Journalist Le Quoc Minh, member of the Party Central Committee (PCC), Editor-in-chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper, Deputy Head of the PCC’s Commission for Communication and Mass Mobilisation, and Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists' Association, respectfully offers incense to the fallen heroes.

On the day of the memorial, hundreds of paper cranes and chrysanthemums were tenderly released into the sea by members of the delegation.

The memorial ceremony was filled with both sorrow and pride.

In the sacred and emotional atmosphere, many attendees were unable to hold back their tears.

The memorial service for those who died defending the Fatherland’s maritime sovereignty was a sacred moment, deeply appreciated by every member of Delegation No. 25 as they stood amidst the skies and seas of Co Lin–Len Dao–Gac Ma.

Following the incense offering, the delegation held a ceremonial release of wreaths, offerings, paper cranes, and floating lanterns to honour the spirits of the fallen soldiers.

Yellow chrysanthemums were released into the sea in remembrance of the soldiers who perished for the Fatherland and are now resting in the distant ocean.

Journalist Pham Huu Quang, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Ngay Nay Magazine, could not hold back his tears as he released flowers and paper cranes in tribute to the heroes who fell at the sacred waters of Gac Ma.

From the lower deck of a canoe looking up at the KN-290’s deck, Delegation No. 25 can be seen with eyes closed and faces lifted towards the sky in a deeply emotional moment.

A heartfelt tribute to those who rest beneath the waves of the islands and seas.

A wreath was gently released into the sea at the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago to remember the martyrs who fell in the prime of youth, now becoming waves eternally lapping the shores of the nation.

More than 37 years have passed. Remembering history is not only about honour and gratitude. The sacrifice of these soldiers, their blood and bones shed for the sacred seas and islands and for the strength of the nation, is the foundation that ensures our national sovereignty remains forever inviolable.