Thousands of scholars and government officials gathered on the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh yesterday to mark the sixty fourth anniversary of Cambodia’s independence from France.
King Norodom Sihamoni was greeted by crowds of flag-waving supporters as he made his approach to the Independence Monument at 8am.
At the monument, the king greeted officials and lit a ceremonial bonfire, then shook hands with students, government officials and the armed forces, flanked by Defense Minister Tea Banh and RCAF Commander-in-Chief Pol Saroeun, before returning to the Royal Palace two hours later.
At the monument, Prime Minister Hun Sen, Interior Minister Sar Kheng, Speaker of the National Assembly Heng Samrin and Senate President Say Chhum also welcomed the king, whose father, the late King Norodom Sihanouk, secured Cambodia’s independence from France on November 9, 1953.
“November 9 is the day that brought independence, land sovereignty, peace and development to Cambodia,” Hun Sen said.
“I think Independence Day is very important for all Cambodians,” said Chheang Vun, spokesman for CPP lawmakers within the National Assembly.
“When we join in the ceremony, it means that we respect and love the achievements of the late king and forever love peace.”
Sok Pheakna, a grade 11 student at Chea Sim Boeng Kengkang Secondary School in Phnom Penh, said she was blissful to participate within the ceremony, which was necessary. “I think all young Cambodians need to study our history a lot so that we have full knowledge of our past,” she said.
Sieng Seytith, 57, from Chaktomuk commune in Daun Penh district, said he considered the country’s sovereignty to be crucial political issue.
“I imagine in the present government and the Cambodian People’s Party because they will protect peace in our country,” he said.
Source : Khmer times
