On the morning of March 28, in the peaceful space at the Gac Ma Soldiers Memorial Area (Cam Lam commune, Khanh Hoa province), the delegation of the Central and local governments, the Organizing Committee of the tournament, and relatives of heroic martyrs' families offered incense and flowers to commemorate.
At the foot of the monument "Those Who Rest at the Horizon", delegates observed a minute of silence to commemorate 64 officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Navy who bravely sacrificed themselves in the Gac Ma event in 1988 while on duty to protect the sovereignty of the Fatherland's sea and islands.
In the underground museum area, 64 youth union members holding national flags, standing in a symbolic circle, together facing the monument, recreating the image of the "Immortal Circle" - a sacred symbol of the spirit of protecting sovereignty.
Immediately after the memorial ceremony, the flag raising ceremony took place at Hoa Binh Square with the witness of a large number of delegates, officials, soldiers, youth union members and athletes participating in the marathon.
The flag-raising ceremony with the theme "Ten Thousand Miles of Truong Sa - In the Heart of the Fatherland" is the opening activity of the National Marathon Championship - Tien Phong Newspaper, organized by Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee in coordination with the Vietnam Sports Administration, Tien Phong Newspaper, Vietnam Athletics Federation and Khanh Hoa Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Phung Cong Suong - Editor-in-Chief of Tien Phong Newspaper, Head of the Organizing Committee emphasized that the Gac Ma event on March 14, 1988 is an unforgettable historical milestone, when 64 officers and soldiers fell to protect the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland.
The image of the "Immortal Circle" has become an immortal symbol in the hearts of Vietnamese people, reminding today's generations of the value of independence and sovereignty.
He also affirmed that the memorial ceremony and flag raising are not only gratitude activities but also contribute to spreading patriotism and awareness of responsibility to protect sea and island sovereignty among every citizen, especially the young generation.
At the same time, in the Truong Sa archipelago, officers, soldiers and people also organized a flag salute ceremony in response, showing the connection between the mainland and the sea and islands.
The highlight of the program is the ceremony of spreading the 2,166m2 national flag in the square, creating a solemn and meaningful image within the framework of the event.
Sharing at the ceremony, Ms. Tran Thi Van - relative of martyr Tran Duc Thong, former Deputy Brigade Commander of Brigade 146, said that she could not help but be moved when she first came to the Memorial Area and directly attended the special flag raising ceremony today.
According to her, this is not only a memorial activity but also an opportunity to ignite the fire and educate the young generation about history and the spirit of protecting national sovereignty.
Among the more than 1,500 people participating in the flag-raising ceremony, there were many athletes who were present early.
Mr. Ngo Van Truong from Ho Chi Minh City said that from early morning he came to the memorial area to run to welcome the sunrise in this very special place.
The space of the memorial area is really very impressive. I and the athletes had the opportunity to offer incense, visit and learn about history in an early morning and from here love our Fatherland more through each step to spread more peace values" - Mr. Truong shared.
