Mr Vo Ngoc Dong, the Director of the Da Nang Department of Home Affairs and Chairman of Hoang Sa Islands District People's Committee visited and presented gifts to some historical witnesses who once served on the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago over the historical periods.

Director of the Municipal Department of Home Affairs and Chairman of Hoang Sa Islands District People’s Committee Vo Ngoc Dong (second, left) visited and presented gifts to Mr. Nguyen Van Cuc (second, right) who is one of historical Hoang Sa witnesses. Photo: TRONG HUY

This is an annual activity organized by the Hoang Sa Islands District Authority in order to remind and continue to affirm Viet Nam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa Archipelago although the Hoang Sa Islands were illegally seized by Chinese forces on January 19, 1974.

During his visits to homes of historical Hoang Sa witnesses, Mr Dong burned incense in memory of the deceased witnesses, as well as extended his best wishes for good health and happiness to the living witnesses and their family members. He hoped that the witnesses would continue to live well, and inspire younger generations to love the country’s sea and islands.

In the coming time, the Hoang Sa Islands District People's Committee will release documentation books and copies of memorabilia about Hoang Sa Islands in order to present them to historical Hoang Sa witnesses nationwide to educate younger generations about Viet Nam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes.

Leaders of the Hoang Sa Islands District Authorities visited and talked with Mr. Tran Van Son (right), one of historical Hoang Sa witnesses.. Photo: TRONG HUY

Mr. Tran Van Son who is residing at K39/18 Vo Van Kiet Street, Phuoc My Ward, Son Tra District, and is among historical Hoang Sa witnesses, expressed his delight at the releasing of ​​Hoang Sa documentation books in the near futture.

Mr. Son said that he often brings his grandson to visit the Hoang Sa Exhibition House in order to introduce him to the history of the Hoang Sa Islands where he used to work before April 30, 1975.

Reporting by TRONG HUY – Translating by H.L