Cambodia: PM celebrates the 47th anniversary of the March to National Salvation

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has stressed that the celebration of the 47th anniversary of the March to National Salvation is a lasting memory that commemorates the heroism of the armed forces and citizens who bravely sacrificed their lives for the nation’s cause.

The prime minister was speaking at the 47th anniversary of the March to National Salvation in Tbong Khmum Province on Thursday

"Today we are celebrating the 47th anniversary in the spirit of remembrance to commemorate the heroism of the armed forces and citizens who bravely sacrificed their lives for the nation’s cause," the prime minister stressed.

Prime Minister Hun Manet went on to say that the Royal Government is always grateful for the sacrifices made by all our compatriots. This gratitude is reflected in the annual organisation of this Remembrance Day event to honour the parents, siblings and relatives of those who steadfastly supported Samdech Techo Hun Sen from the very beginning, from 1970 to 1975 and up to 1977.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei dedicated his remarks to the souls of the ancestors, warriors, descendants and patriots of all generations who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s cause. Samdech paid tribute to their love for the motherland and their efforts to revive the nation. Through their resistance movement and the fulfilment of their duties at every stage of history, they achieved many great achievements for the nation, maintaining peace, sovereignty, national independence and development.

Prime Minister Hun Manet underlined:

"History clearly shows that the first military organisation was formed on 20 June 1977 after the overthrow of the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime. This was followed by the formation of the United Front for National Salvation of Kampuchea on 2 December 1978, which led to victory on 7 January 1979.”

Samdech Thipadei added that the victories of 7 January 1979 and the political victory of 29 December 1998 marked the end of the civil war in Cambodia and ushered in peace and complete national unity. “This is an invaluable historical fact that the next generation of Cambodians must remember,” he concluded.