For 37 years, Dang Thi Nhung (83 years old) has been unable to forget the day her family received the devastating news that her son, Le Van Xanh, had died in the 1988 Gac Ma battle. His image remains forever in her mind, a constant presence in her thoughts.

On the morning of March 14, at Nai Nam Temple (Hoa Cuong Bac Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang), the Truong Sa Veterans Liaison Committee (1984-1988) organized a memorial ceremony to honor the 64 soldiers who perished defending Gac Ma Island on March 14, 1988.

Representatives from local authorities, war veterans, the families of fallen soldiers, and university students gathered for a moment of silence, paying tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Several organizations visited and presented gifts to the families of the fallen soldiers as a token of gratitude.

A mother’s grief and a lifetime of remembrance

Sitting in a wheelchair, her eyes filled with tears, Le Thi Lan (82 years old, from Cam Le District, Da Nang) stared at the memorial plaque bearing the names of the fallen soldiers. Her son, Nguyen Huu Loc, was only 21 years old when he was killed, just over a year after enlisting in the military.

Since his passing, many nights she has dreamed of him returning home. On this morning, Lan asked her relatives to take her to Nai Nam Temple early, so she could light incense for her son and his fallen comrades.

She recalled that while Loc was still a student, he worked hard selling ice cream and collecting crabs and snails to help his parents support his younger siblings. Before leaving for duty, he came home for a quick meal and said goodbye to the family.

Holding back tears, Lan recounted their last conversation. "Loc was a good son. The day he left, I gave him a blanket. At first, he refused, saying it wasn't cold where he was going. But I insisted, telling him to take it just in case. Then, as if sensing something, he turned to me and said, ‘This time, I’m leaving for good, I won’t be back.’ And he never came back..."

Despite the deep loss, Lan takes pride in her son’s sacrifice, knowing that he died protecting Vietnam’s sovereignty.

A mother’s pain, a nation’s gratitude

 
At 83 years old, Mrs. Dang Thi Nhung still remembers vividly the day she received news of her son Le Van Xanh’s death at Gac Ma.

Wiping away tears, Nhung shared, “Xanh was the eldest of seven siblings. He was hardworking, always helping his parents care for the younger children. At 22, he asked to enlist, and though I was reluctant, I agreed because I knew he wanted to serve his country.”

After enlisting, Xanh was stationed at Naval Region 3. Initially, he was able to return home on leave, but later, he informed his family that he had been assigned to Truong Sa (Spratly Islands). That was the last message they received.

"For 37 years, my son’s image has never left my mind. Every time I see a ship, I imagine my son standing on deck, waving at me," Nhung sobbed.

Honoring the sacrifice of the Gac Ma heroes

Nguyen Thi Thuy Trang, a student at Dong A University, attended the ceremony, expressing deep respect and admiration for the fallen soldiers. "Our university has been involved in honoring Gac Ma martyrs for over a decade. We hold immense gratitude for their sacrifices. Their bravery will always be remembered by future generations."

Nguyen Van Tan, head of the Truong Sa Veterans Liaison Committee (1984-1988), emphasized that the sacrifice of the Gac Ma soldiers is a shining symbol of patriotism and resilience.

He reminded the younger generation never to forget March 14, 1988, and the 64 soldiers who laid down their lives to protect Vietnam’s maritime sovereignty.

"This ceremony is a moment to remember and express deep gratitude to those who gave their youth and lives for the nation. As the next generation, we must follow in their footsteps - studying hard, working tirelessly, and contributing to a strong and resilient Vietnam," Tan stated.

To further honor the fallen soldiers, Hoa Cuong Bac Ward has submitted a proposal to the Da Nang People's Committee and the Department of Culture and Sports, seeking approval to construct a replica of the “Truong Sa Sovereignty Landmark” within the Hoa Cuong Martyrs' Memorial area.

Ho Giap