In brief
In Phnom Penh, Cambodia celebrated 73 years of independence from French rule with a solemn ceremony at the Independence Monument. King Norodom Sihamoni presided over the event, joined by top officials, and lit a ‘victory fire’ while laying a wreath. The day ended with the release of pigeons and balloons, symbolising peace and freedom.
Cambodia marked its 73rd National Independence Day Monday, November 9, with a formal ceremony at the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh. The event, attended by the king and senior officials, commemorated the country’s independence from French colonial rule in 1953.
King Norodom Sihamoni presided over the one‑hour ceremony, which was joined by Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, National Assembly President Khuon Sudary, and Prime Minister Hun Manet, as well as foreign diplomats and citizens.
During the proceedings the king laid a wreath and lit a symbolic “victory fire” inside the monument to represent Cambodia’s sovereign status. The ceremony concluded with the release of pigeons and balloons, a gesture signifying peace and freedom.
The statement came from Xinhua, Cambodia’s state‑run news outlet. Similar details were reported by the Khmer Times, which also noted the royal presidency and the presence of the top government officials.
Attempts to locate parallel coverage at The Star and the default Xinhua news server returned 404 errors, leaving those sources unconfirmed for the present report.
