Remembering the Past, Renewing the Future: 50 Years Since the Killing Fields
Today, as we gather to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Killing Fields, we pause to remember the two million lives lost during the Khmer Rouge regime. This moment is not only about acknowledging the tragedy of our past; it is about honoring the memories of those who were stolen from us and recognizing the profound loss that continues to echo through our families, communities, and nation.
While no words or actions can ever erase the suffering, we are here because we believe in the power of our shared humanity to heal, rebuild, and move forward. Though our homeland has faced immeasurable pain, we find strength in our collective resolve to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated. Renewal begins in the hearts of those who refuse to forget, and through remembrance, we can chart a path toward healing and justice.
This renewal, however, cannot begin by ignoring the past. To understand the future, we must learn from the stories of survivors and the lessons etched into the history of our homeland. Through survivor testimonies, scholarly research, and the preservation of our history, we come to realize how deeply connected we are to those who endured unimaginable suffering. We owe it to them to ensure their stories live on — to teach our children, educate our communities, and ensure that future generations of Cambodians understand the importance of remembering and learning from this dark chapter.
Fifty years have passed, but the burden of history remains. The victims are still searching for answers to the elusive question: What really happened? Would the Khmer Rouge leaders have been prosecuted if the international community had not been involved? We must also commit ourselves to justice — justice that is not only about holding perpetrators accountable but also about recognizing the resilience and dignity of those who survived. Our commitment to justice will ensure that we do not merely passively remember the past, but actively work to build a society grounded in truth, genuine reconciliation, real peace, and respect for human dignity. We sincerely hope that through this remembrance, people here and from around the world will hear and gain a deeper understanding of what really happened in Cambodia between 1975-1979, and help ensure that such an incomprehensible tragedy is never repeated.
On this solemn 50th anniversary, let us come together and make a pledge to our ancestors, to the victims, and to future generations.
- We pledge to “NEVER FORGET” and “NEVER AGAIN”.
- We pledge to continue seeking truth and justice.
- We pledge to share our stories, to teach the lessons of the past to the younger generation, so that the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime will never be forgotten or repeated.
- We pledge to build a Cambodia that honors the dignity of every individual, ensuring a future where peace, understanding, and unity prevail.
May their memories live on in our hearts and minds.
May we find the strength and resolve to build a future that honors their sacrifice.
May all Cambodians live free from fear, free from want, and embrace a life of dignity.
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