The annual Day of Remembrance ceremony was held at Choeung Ek, a notorious “killing field” located near Phnom Penh, where countless individuals lost their lives during the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. This year marks the 50th anniversary of this harrowing period in Cambodian history.
Gathering for remembrance
Approximately 2,000 attendees, including Buddhist monks, gathered to honor the victims. The poignant event featured performances by student actors from a local art school, who powerfully re-enacted scenes depicting the torture and execution that victims endured during this tragic era. Clad in the black uniforms reminiscent of Khmer Rouge fighters, the students brought to life the profound suffering experienced by many.
A symbolic closure
The ceremony concluded with a powerful re-enactment of the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime, marking the end of one of the darkest chapters in the 20th century. This symbolic portrayal served as a reminder of the resilience of the Cambodian people and their ongoing quest for justice and remembrance.
“This event serves not only to honor those who suffered but also to educate future generations about the past,” said a participant.