War veterans, relatives, and local authorities released hundreds of lanterns into the Ha Tinh sea to commemorate 64 martyrs in a naval battle more than three decades ago to defend Gac Ma (Johnson Reef) of Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago.

This was an annual activity held following a Buddhist ritual to show respect for the dead and pray for peace.

The event also helps to remind and educate younger generations about the predecessors’ sacrifice and dedication to protect the sacred sovereignty over sea and islands of the Fatherland.

On March 14, 1988, China sent missile defense ships and soldiers to attack the Johnson Reef, Collins Reef, and Lansdowne Reef of Vietnam’s Spratly archipelago.

Sixty-four Vietnamese naval soldiers sacrificed their lives in an unequal battle to safeguard the country’s sovereignty at sea.