Cambodia marks 62nd anniversary of Independence Day

Cambodia marks 62nd anniversary of Independence Day

2015-11-09 

(((

NB: What "independence" of which we speak? 

)))

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia celebrated the 62nd anniversary of the declaration of the Independence Day here on Monday with the participation of about 10,000 people from all walks of life.

King Norodom Sihamoni, along with Prime Minister Hun Sen, National Assembly President Heng Samrin, and Senate President Say Chhum, laid a wreath and ignited the victory torch inside the Independence Monument to symbolize the country's independence from the colonial rule.

The victory flame will be kept burning for three days.

Live broadcast on the state-run National Television of Cambodia (TVK), the celebration was attended by senior officials, diplomatic corps, members of the armed forces, civil servants, residents and students.

Doves and balloons were released into the sky at the end of the event as a sign of independence and freedom.

In the evening, there will be a fireworks show over the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace.

The Southeast Asian country gained full independence from the French protectorate on Nov. 9, 1953 during the reign of then-King Norodom Sihanouk.

France had ruled Cambodia for 90 years from 1863 until 1953.