Quang Ngai (VNA), April 24 -- An annual ceremony commemorating sailors of the historic Hoang Sa (Paracel) flotilla took place in the communal house of An Vinh village, Ly Son district, the central province of Quang Ngai, on April 24.

The traditional event, namely "Le khao le the linh Hoang Sa" (Feast and Commemoration Festival for Hoang Sa Soldiers), pays tribute to the men enlisted in the flotilla to patrol the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly), tap natural resources, and defend national island sovereignty. In 2013, it was accredited as a national intangible cultural heritage.

According to history, the fleet was established in the early 17th century under the reign of Nguyen Lords in the south. Each year, 70 fishermen were enlisted, com...