Commemorating and paying tribute to the martyrs of Gac Ma in Da Nang.

On March 14th, at Nai Nam communal house (Da Nang City), the Liaison Committee of the Truong Sa soldiers of Da Nang City from 1984-1988, in coordination with the local authorities, organized a memorial ceremony to pay tribute to the 64 martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the battle to defend Gac Ma Island on March 14th, 1988, in the Truong Sa archipelago.

Báo Sài Gòn Giải phóng•14/03/2026

Nai Nam Temple is home to a memorial plaque commemorating the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives throughout history in Hoa Cuong Bac ward, Hai Chau district (now Hoa Cuong ward, Da Nang city), including 10 martyrs from Da Nang who died at Gac Ma.

From very early on, relatives of the 10 Gac Ma martyrs from Da Nang, former comrades, representatives of the local government, along with many units, students, and citizens were present at the communal house.

Numerous comrades, local authorities, students, and others came to offer incense and pay respects to the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives at Gac Ma.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tan, Head of the Liaison Committee of the Truong Sa Soldiers of Da Nang City from 1984-1988, said that among those 64 heroic martyrs , Da Nang is proud but also saddened that 10 outstanding sons have forever rested in the vast ocean. The sacrifice of these heroes is the pride of their homeland, and an enduring memory for their families, comrades, and the people of this beloved coastal city.

“Thirty-eight years have passed, but the memories of Gac Ma have never faded. The spirit of ‘fighting to the death to protect maritime sovereignty ’ remains a sacred flame passed down from generation to generation. The soldiers of yesteryear, now with graying hair, still hold the same vow to protect the sea in their hearts,” Mr. Tan said emotionally.

Mr. Truong Thanh Dung, Chairman of the Hoa Cuong Ward People's Committee, expressed his emotion and pride that the memorial plaque for martyrs in Hoa Cuong bears the names of 10 Gac Ma martyrs, including 7 martyrs who were sons of Hoa Cuong.

Mrs. Huynh Thi Ke (93 years old), mother of Gac Ma martyr Nguyen Phu Doan.

At the event, representatives from the local government, military agencies, universities, and businesses presented numerous gifts to express gratitude to the families of the 10 martyrs from Da Nang who sacrificed their lives in the Gac Ma incident.

Presenting gifts of gratitude to the relatives of Gac Ma martyrs.

Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Thanh Viet, Vice Rector of Dong A University in Da Nang, said that directly offering incense to pay respects and listening to stories about the "circle of immortality" at Gac Ma from the relatives of fallen soldiers helps students better understand the value of patriotism and the tradition of responsibility to the community and the country; thereby motivating them to strive in their studies, live responsibly, and be ready to contribute.

Faculty and students of Dong A University pay tribute to the families of Gac Ma martyrs in Da Nang.

On the same day, the Liaison Committee of the Veteran Naval Engineers Association of Da Nang City organized a ceremony to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the sacrifice of the heroic martyrs at Gac Ma Island, Truong Sa Archipelago (March 14, 1988 - March 14, 2026).