Sovereignty Stele of Truong Sa Archipelago and Memorial Site of Ship C235

On July 17, in Nha Trang city, the People's Committee of Khanh Hoa province held a ceremony to receive and announce the National Historical Relic of the Truong Sa archipelago sovereignty stele at Song Tu Tay island, Song Tu Tay commune; Nam Yet island, Sinh Ton commune of Truong Sa island district and the C235 ship memorial site (Ho Chi Minh trail at sea) in Ninh Van commune, Ninh Hoa town.

The sovereignty stele of the Truong Sa archipelago was built by the government of the Republic of Vietnam in 1956. The sovereignty stele clearly states: "The Truong Sa archipelago is under Phuoc Tuy province. A military mission to inspect and research the archipelago visited on August 22, 1956 under the guidance of the Vietnamese Navy."

Minister Hoang Tuan Anh presented the National Historical Relic Certificate of the Truong Sa Archipelago Sovereignty Stele on Song Tu Tay Island to the leaders of Song Tu Tay Commune. Photo: VNA

The C235 memorial site in Ninh Van commune, Ninh Hoa town is associated with the event of 1968. In 1968, in the Hon Heo sea area, Ninh Van commune, the C235 ship captained by Lieutenant Nguyen Phan Vinh organized the transportation of weapons to support the southern battlefield. When discovered by the enemy, the soldiers on the C235 ship fought steadfastly and bravely to preserve the sea transport route.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh emphasized: "The Ho Chi Minh Trail at sea" plays a particularly important role in providing human and material support from the rear to the frontline to defeat the invading American imperialists, liberate the South, and unify the country. Participating in this historic path, the fighting and sacrifice of the officers and soldiers of ship C235 have become legendary, demonstrating the noble revolutionary ideals of the Vietnam People's Navy, ready to accept danger and sacrifice for the revolution. Their example of "Determination to die for the Fatherland, determination to live" will forever shine for the young generation of Vietnam in the cause of defending the country today.

The two sovereignty steles built on Song Tu Tay Island and Nam Yet Island in 1956 are truly important historical evidence, specifically recording Vietnam's continuous and comprehensive management rights over the Truong Sa archipelago.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh affirmed: The recognition of the Truong Sa Archipelago Sovereignty Stele and the C235 Ship Memorial Site as national historical relics has important significance in many aspects. The recognition of the C235 Ship Memorial Site is the Party and State's appreciation of the contributions of officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Navy. Regarding the Truong Sa Archipelago Sovereignty Stele, this is a respect for the truth and determination to protect the sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland; thereby contributing to arousing the pride and patriotism of the Vietnamese people in the cause of building and defending the country.

On this occasion, Khanh Hoa province organized a photo exhibition about the above relics.

According to QĐND