Ly Son islanders commemorate Hoang Sa soldiers

Replicas of the soldiers' boats are launched into the sea. (Source: vnexpress.net)

Nhan Dan – A ceremony honouring Hoang Sa soldiers was held on April 15 at the An Vinh village communal house by the local People’s Committee and 13 families on Ly Son Island, Quang Ngai province.

The islanders observe the ceremony annually during the third lunar month to commemorate their ancestors who followed the king’s orders, leaving their homeland to protect the country’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes over the past three centuries, during the reign of the Nguyen Lords and throughout the Tay Son and Nguyen dynasties.

Five replicas of the boats that carried the soldiers to the sea were launched at the event to recreate the sailors’ voyage in the old days. The ceremony also included food offerings and a funeral oration.

The ritual and the An Vinh communal temple, where the event takes place, were recognised as National Intangible Heritage and a national historical site in 2013.

Ly Son islanders commemorate Hoang Sa soldiers Releated Image(s)