Memorial to commemorate Gac Ma soldiers inaugurated

PSNews – A solemn ceremony was held on July 15 in Cam Hai Dong commune, Cam Lam district, Khanh Hoa province to celebrate the 70th War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (27 July) and to inaugurate the first phase of the memorial site to commemorate Gac Ma soldiers.

The ceremony was held by the General Confederation of Labor of Vietnam in coordination with the Khanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee and People’s Committee.

The memorial site is to pay tribute to 64 naval soldiers, who bravely sacrificed themselves in the battle to defend Gac Ma island in Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago on March 14, 1988.

The highlight of the site is the monument “For Those Staying There Forever” imaging 9 naval soldiers holding hands in an “eternal circle” to safeguard the national flag post symbolizing national sovereignty over Gac Ma island.
The highlight of the site is the monument “For Those Staying There Forever” imaging 9 naval soldiers holding hands in an “eternal circle” to safeguard the national flag post symbolizing national sovereignty over Gac Ma island.

The project will also be a destination for people, particularly young generations to learn about the glorious history of the nation, contributing to promoting patriotism and national unity in the country building and protecting national independence and scared sovereignty over the seas and islands.

The master design of the project was selected from over 100 entries to a competition for the Gac Ma soldiers’ memorial design, which had been held earlier.

The two designs, namely “Journey of Aspirations (Hànhtrìnhkhátvọng)” by a group of architects at the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Planning and Architecture, and the " For Those Staying There Forever”  (Nhữngngười ở lạiphíachântrời)" by Ly Thi Lieu at Oanh Vu Fine Art Photography Co., Ltd, Ho Chi Minh City were selected and combined into the master design of the project.

The work on the memorial site was started in March 2015, on an area of 25,000m² and at a total cost of over 150 billion VND for the first phase.

The highlight of the site is the monument “For Those Staying There Forever” imaging 9 naval soldiers holding hands in an “eternal circle” to safeguard the national flag post symbolizing national sovereignty over Gac Ma island.

The monument building led by sculptor Lam Quang Noi was made from nearly 300 tons of granite, of which one solid block, weighing 14 tons, was used to sculpture the naval soldiers.

The construction was funded by businesses and organizations in a mobilization entitled "Hoang Sa - Truong Sa" launched by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor from March 2014.

On the occasion, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor also received 20 billion VND from trade union chapters across the country for the second phase construction of the memorial site and another site to commemorate other Hoang Sa soldiers on Ly Son island, Quang Ngai province.

By Phung Nguyen

Other News

Border guards seize 15,200 drug pills, heroin in major trafficking bust

Border guards seize 15,200 drug pills, heroin in major trafficking bust

At about 10:15 pm on July 20, officers from the Operations Division of the Nghe An Border Guard Command and the Nam Can International Border Gate Border Guard Station, in coordination with customs officers at the Nam Can International Border Gate, caught a resident of Tan Tien hamlet, Chieu Luu commune, Nghe An province, allegedly transporting narcotics in Tien Tieu hamlet, Nam Can commune.

Floods, landslides wreak havoc on northern mountainous region

Floods, landslides wreak havoc on northern mountainous region

Total economic losses were estimated at about 255 billion VND (nearly 9.7 million USD), with Lai Chau accounting for the largest share of the damage with 190 billion VND, followed by Son La with 46.04 billion VND, Lao Cai with 16.7 billion VND, and Dien Bien with 2.3 billion VND.

Three young French volunteers embark on humanitarian journey to Vietnam

Three young French volunteers embark on humanitarian journey to Vietnam

While many French students have just completed their secondary school examinations and are preparing for their summer break, Elza Le Floch, Celeste Perotteau-Giraud and Wyatt Lelouche have embarked on a different journey. On July 15, the three members of the Scouts and Guides of France group in Menton left Nice for Xuyen Moc in Ho Chi Minh City.

Efforts to safeguard religious values in digital age

Efforts to safeguard religious values in digital age

Digital transformation is changing not only how people work and communicate but also how they practice their faith. A Buddhist sermon can now attract tens of thousands of online viewers. A Protestant believer in a remote area can join a Bible study class via smartphone. Religious activities once closely tied to places of worship are increasingly taking place in cyberspace.

Digital transformation in religion: When religious teachings spread with a single tap

Digital transformation in religion: When religious teachings spread with a single tap

As Vietnam's digital transformation continues, technology is opening new avenues for religious communities to share their teachings more quickly, more broadly and with more diverse audiences than ever before. Yet these opportunities also bring responsibilities: safeguarding the authenticity of religious teachings, cultivating a healthy and trustworthy digital environment, and equipping religious communities with the digital literacy needed to navigate the online world responsibly.

Phu Quoc tightens inland waterway safety, traffic management

Phu Quoc tightens inland waterway safety, traffic management

Operators of inland ports and terminals must carry out regular inspections, maintenance and repairs to ensure facilities remain safe and operational. They are also required to work with competent authorities and the Inland Waterway Port Authority to verify that vessels operating at ports and terminals meet all safety requirements.

Attracting high-quality talent to strategic science, technology fields

Attracting high-quality talent to strategic science, technology fields

Under the decree, students admitted to eligible programmes who meet entrance score requirements or are directly admitted, and rank among the top 30% of entrants, will be eligible for Government scholarships. The scholarships will be renewed annually based on academic performance and conduct.

Ten localities to launch housing projects for Agent Orange victims' children

Ten localities to launch housing projects for Agent Orange victims' children

The Deputy PM assigned the Chairpersons of the People’s Committees of the 10 provinces and cities that have yet to begin construction to urgently complete all necessary preparations and hold simultaneous ground-breaking ceremonies on July 15, for projects to build and repair homes for eligible beneficiaries.

Cao Bang accelerates DNA sampling of unidentified war martyrs

Cao Bang accelerates DNA sampling of unidentified war martyrs

The work, which began on July 9, is being carried out by military and medical personnel following strict technical procedures. The process includes exhumation, biological sample collection, sealing and preservation of samples, documentation, and digitalisation of all relevant information. Each sample is carefully verified and catalogued, while excavation sites are accurately marked.

Nearly 700 administrative procedures abolished

Nearly 700 administrative procedures abolished

By the end of May this year, localities across had implemented simplification measures for 411 administrative procedures, including abolishing 86 processes, amending or supplementing 111 and retaining 214, contributing to improved efficiency of the State administrative apparatus as well as helping citizens and businesses.