The Kingdom of Cambodia is celebrating the anniversary of its independence from France on every November 9 since 1953.
Today I had a kind of sarcastic moments: I decided to ask some of my Cambodian friends of different ages and background to explain me what this Independence National Holiday is all about. I ‘d better not have asked.
Low perception and lack of context.
Many have not perceived today, 9 November 2011, Independence Day and the first day of Water Festival coincide. And so for most interviewed Independence literally drowned in the Water Festival.
And hardly anyone could explain the reason and context of the Independence day, even only partially.
Since I am interested in the recent Cambodian history, I did find a concise summary about the long road to Cambodian Independence from colonial France.
By Kenneth T. So (In collaboration with Monireak Keo)
The Road to Khmer Independence
By Kenneth T. So
(In collaboration with Monireak Keo)“”Cambodia will be celebrating the anniversary of its independence from France on every November 9 since 1953. This essay will examine the history of Cambodia from the period of Prince Norodom Sihanouk ascension to the throne until the time France granted independence to Cambodia. This essay will examine the roles of important Khmer politicians, princes, and king who helped shape the events in Cambodia during this important period of Khmer history. I am not a historian nor a scholar, but I have a lot of interest in Khmer history. My essay will not please everybody, but it is my duty as a Khmer to interpret, discuss, and analyze the events during the above period in an honest and objective manner…………..”"
Read more:
- http://www.cambodia.org/facts/?page=independence