Soldiers and people of Truong Sa town pay tribute to Gac Ma martyrs. (Photo: VOV)

During the fierce battle 33 years ago, 64 officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Navy bravely died while performing the task of protecting Vietnam’s sovereignty over the sea and islands at Gac Ma (Johnson South Reef) of Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago.

On Saturday evening, 50 war veterans and relatives of Gac Ma martyrs from Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh and Quang Tri paid tribute to heroic martyr Tran Van Phuong in his home town of Ba Don, Quang Binh province. They lit 64 candles and dropped garlands on the Gianh river, which flows into the East Sea. 64 candles symbolize the souls of 64 Gac Ma martyrs who laid down their lives to protect the sea and islands of the country.

Veterans and relatives of Gac Ma martyrs visited the grave of Tran Van Phuong in remembrance of the heroic martyr.