Melbourne (VNA) – Members of the “For Beloved HoangSa – Truong Sa” club met Vietnamese nationals in Melbourne city, the Australianstate of Victoria on May 14 on the occasion of the 30th anniversaryof Gac Ma (Johnson South) naval battle.

At the meeting, overseas Vietnamese spent a minute ofsilence in commemoration of 64 soldiers who were killed in the naval battle todefend Gac Ma (Johnson South) island in Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly)archipelago in 1988.

Speaking at the event, member of the Vietnam FatherlandFront Central Committee and Chairman of the Vietnamese Entrepreneurs’Association in Australia, said the Vietnamese community abroad pay muchattention to Vietnam’s seas, islands and territorial sovereignty.

He called on Vietnamese nationals in Australia and the worldto stand side by side with people at home to become a firm rear of soldiers whodefend the nation’s seas and islands day and night.

A documentary featuring achievements of the club over thepast three years was also screened at the event.

Former Vice President Truong My Hoa lauded the VietnameseEntrepreneurs’ Association in Australia, and Vietnamese expatriates in thePacific country for sharing difficulties with people and soldiers in remoteislands.

On the occasion, she also granted a certificate recognisingthe Vietnamese Entrepreneurs’ Association in Australia as a collective memberof the “For Beloved Hoang Sa – Truong Sa” club.

Guests at the event also donated 2,000 AUD to the club.-VNA