The central province of Khanh Hoa has held numerous activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the liberation of Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago.

An exchange programme was held to look back on the military campaign which liberated Truong Sa on April 29, 1975, contributing to the liberation of the entire southern region and the reunification of the country.

Over 400 war veterans who used to serve on the Truong Sa archipelago gathered at a meeting in the central coastal city of Nha Trang to mark the liberation. The war veterans later floated lanterns in Nha Trang Bay to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the nation’s territorial land and waters.

On this occasion, the charitable fund of the Lao Dong newspaper (Labourer) presented 20 million VND (930 USD) to families of two soldiers serving on the island, whose children have been diagnosed with fatal illnesses.

Nguyen Chien Thang, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee and Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, said that Truong Sa island district has closely integrated missions to protect national sovereignty and security and to develop the marine economy.

The province is striving to realise the national programme targets on building new style rural areas by 2020, he said.

The per capita income of residents in Truong Sa island district is to be increased to 1,800 USD by 2015, the rate of national standardised schools will reach 70 percent and the number of residents able to use clean water will climb to 95 percent, he added.-VNA