This morning, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service Hun Many, also the President of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), presided over a memorial ceremony held a day before the annual commemoration of January 7 Victory Day.
The ceremony served as a solemn reminder of the atrocities and devastation endured by the Cambodian people under the Khmer Rouge regime, during which millions of innocent lives were lost over three years, eight months, and 20 days.
Many reflected on the significance of this tradition, which began in 2012 and has since become an annual event, marking its 13th year. He highlighted how the UYFC family continued the tradition even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and 2022, albeit in smaller gatherings. This year’s ceremony, held at the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre, commemorated the 46th anniversary of Cambodia’s liberation on January 7, 1979—a day that marked the end of the Khmer Rouge’s brutal regime and the rebirth of peace and life for Cambodians.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that this memorial is not only an expression of unity and respect for the victims and fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Democratic Kampuchea regime but also an opportunity for the younger generation to connect with Cambodia’s history. By honouring the sacrifices of the past, today’s youth are reminded of the resilience and determination of their ancestors who fought to restore peace and freedom in the nation.
Many highlighted the importance of bringing young people to memorial sites like Choeung Ek. By seeing the painful remnants of the past firsthand, youth can gain a deeper understanding of the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime and the sacrifices made for Cambodia’s current peace and stability. He stressed that learning from the past serves as a foundation for building a better society and instilling a sense of love and duty toward the nation.
The Deputy Prime Minister also called on the youth to safeguard Cambodia’s hard-won peace and continue developing the nation for future generations. He reminded them that this ceremony is not about dwelling on the past but about celebrating the peace they now enjoy—a peace achieved through immense struggle and sacrifice.
