These resilient souls worked tirelessly to raise their children despite having nothing. Living day to day in poverty, they sacrificed everything for their children. They had no luxuries, couldn't travel, and barely had access to basic necessities.

Their children managed to build a slightly better life. They could travel within the country for business, and though proper education remained out of reach, they dared to dream bigger. They held onto hope and ambition, not just for themselves but especially for their children.

As we mark the 50th anniversary of the genocide's beginning on April 17, 2025, I reflect on how these two generations shouldered different burdens to create a more resilient future. They gave everything they had, using whatever strength and resources to pave the way forward.

Saying farewell to my grandfather was really emotional, but I'm deeply grateful for all he did for my parents. His legacy lives on as we continue to fulfill the dreams he and his generation made possible for us and the generations yet to come. 🙏❣️

J'espère que j'aurais appris à parler, lire et écrire le khmer entre temps pour pouvoir vous écrire dans une langue que tout khmer pourra comprendre.

Pensées douces, un franco-khmer déraciné

I won't ask you to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. I understand you have a lot on your plate, and you do not want to disappoint yourself and those around you, but here is the truth: if you live only for others, you will end up resenting those around you. If you only live for yourself, you will have everything and nothing at the same time. The more you take, the less you have. So, strike a balance. Live with intention, with meaning, with love and compassion. Continue to evolve but don't lose sight of what truly matters. If you blossom into a beautiful, fragrant flower, your essence will spread to those around you. If you are pleasant within, you will naturally create a pleasant surrounding. If you learn to love intensely and unconditionally, others will learn eventually. Only then can peace be restored within and without.

Car vous êtes les descendants des bâtisseurs d’Angkor, gardiens d’un héritage inscrit au patrimoine mondial de l’humanité.

Notre plus grande richesse ne se mesure pas en titres ou en classements, mais dans notre culture, notre mémoire, notre fierté.

Et si nous seuls en portons la conscience, alors cela suffit — car cette conscience élève notre âme et fait grandir tout le peuple khmer.

By Sovachana Pou

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 stories,  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 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.

• We pledge to “NEVER FORGET” and “NEVER AGAIN”

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.