While China continues to threaten Vietnamese sovereignty over the East Sea through the publication of the Sansha map, a renewed sense of nationalism has been stirred among the public here. Vietnamese ships passing through the East Sea have been showing their support by making a stop in the Island District of Truong Sa to wish the cadres, soldiers and people there a happy new year.
The Vietnamese naval soldiers who bravely laid down their lives to protect the Spratly Islands will forever be recorded in the minds of their countrymen. However, the annals of the nation's history have also recorded many other examples of such supreme sacrifices. Regardless of the period when they sacrificed their lives, they will be remembered as scions who gave their lives for Vietnamese independence. They all had families, and the pain of their wives, children, mothers and fathers they left behind remain the same, just like the fact that these soldiers all gave their lives to a good cause. Their only consolation is that their souls will linger upon the East Sea of Vietnam, in the "Red Cemetery".
As the country faces further threats over sovereignty of the East Sea and its islands, the unity and fortitude that Vietnamese have shown throughout history will be more vital than ever. The East Sea issue has brought unity among Vietnamese both inside and outside the country in opposition to Chinese attempts at encroachment upon the nation's sovereignty.
