In brief
On Monday, King Norodom Sihamoni presided over a ceremony at the Independence Monument, joining government leaders and foreign diplomats. The event, lasting one hour, featured a wreath laying and a ceremonial “victory fire,” before concluding with the release of pigeons and balloons symbolizing peace and freedom. The day commemorates Cambodia’s independence from France, achieved on November 9, 1953, ending 90 years of colonial rule that began in 1863.
King Norodom Sihamoni presided over Cambodia’s National Independence Day ceremony at the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh on Monday, November 9, according to Xinhua. The King, accompanied by Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, National Assembly President Khuon Sudary and Prime Minister Hun Manet, led a one‑hour event that also hosted foreign diplomats and citizens.
During the solemn hour, the King laid a wreath and lit a ceremonial “victory fire” inside the monument to symbolize the nation’s sovereignty. He was followed by the release of pigeons and balloons, a gesture that the press reported symbolises peace and freedom.
Xinhua noted that the day commemorates Cambodia’s independence from French colonial rule, a status achieved on November 9, 1953, ending 90 years of French rule that began in 1863. The celebration marks 73 years of independence for the country.
