LONG BEACH -- It has become one of the most solemn days on the calendar for members of the local immigrant Cambodian community.
Wednesday, April 17 marks the 38th anniversary of the rise to power of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and the beginning of the darkest chapter in that country's history. On that day in 1975, the Khmer Rouge rode into Phnom Penh unopposed and soon after began a genocidal campaign, later dubbed the Killing Fields, that in just 44 months would leave anywhere from 1.5 million to 3 million dead from executions, starvation, disease and privation.
On Wednesday, throughout Long Beach in temples, private homes and at organized events, Cambodians are gathering to commemorate the day and honor the victims.
Killing Fields Memorial Inc., is staging its annual commemoration at two sites, while the United Cambodian Community is having its annual evening remembrance at Long Beach City College.
Internationally, April has become a month to remember genocides; the Holocaust, Rwandan and Armenian genocides are also commemorated.
Last year, Georgia declared April Genocide Prevention and Awareness month and Long Beach City Councilman Dee Andrews suggested Long Beach do the same.
Each year, as has become tradition, nonprofit Killing Fields Memorial Inc., stages a two-part commemoration. From 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., a full day of events is being held at MacArthur Park, 1321 E. Anaheim St., featuring a requiem mantra blessing the victims, testimonials, including survivor stories, group discussions, videos, lunch and group discussions.
In the evening at 7, at the future Killing Fields Park, 1501 E. Anaheim St. there is another requiem mantra to be followed by a candlelight vigil.

The United Cambodian Community is also having an event entitled "Courage to Remember" being held from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Dyer Hall and Senior Center on the Pacific Coast Campus of Long Beach City College, 1305 E. Pacific Coast Highway.
The keynote speaker is Judy Green of Temple Israel, who will talk about lessons in the Jewish community from the Holocaust and the importance of breaking silence and sharing stories and experiences. Also speaking is Victory Heng, a child survivor of the Killing Fields.
Staff Writer Greg Mellen can be reached at  562-714-2093 .
greg.mellen@presstelegram.com
Twitter.com/GregMellen