Independence Monument…A Symbol of Cambodia’s Freedom

September 6, 2010, 12:01 pm
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Independence Monument in Phnom Penh

Replica of Independence Monument at Cambodian Cultural Village in Siem Reap

Seda getting permission to sit on the steps of Independence Monument for a photo opportunity

Independence Monument, located in Phnom Penh, is a representation of the independence from French colonization for almost one century, from 1863-1953. Designed by Cambodian architect, Vann Molyvann, and completed in March 1958, independence Monument is 37 meters high, 7 layers, and surrounded by 100 snake motifs (the Naga). The Naga is a symbol of Cambodian culture. Independence Day, celebrated on November 9^th, is a national holiday in Cambodia. The King would come here to celebrate this historical day with the people and to commemorate the memories of every fallen soldier who laid down their lives for freedom.
King Norodom Sihanouk led a public relations campaign at the international level to inform the world of Cambodia’s wish for independence and the constant refusal of the French government to grant them their sovereignty. On April 18, 1953, King Norodom Sihanouk gave an interview to New York Times’ writer, Michael James, who wrote an article, on April 19^th, which caused a stir:
“Norodom Sihanouk, King of Cambodia, one of the three associated States of Indochina, warned in an interview yesterday, that unless the French give his people more independence in the next few months, there is a real danger that the people of Cambodia would raise against the current regime and form part of the Vietminh movement lead by the Communists.”
On June 28, 1953, King Norodom Sihanouk returned to Cambodia and over 400,000 people joined him in Battambang to be trained for military duties. The French government was forced to rethink its position, and on July 3, 1953, France declared it was ready to grant independence to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. On November 9, 1953, Cambodia was finally granted their independence from France. King Norodom Sihanouk’s greatest achievement was being able to restore independence to his country without the shedding of a single drop of blood. King Norodom Sihanouk is known as the Father of Independence.
At night, the lights and the water fountains turn on, creating an illuminating, majestic image. The monument is barricaded and with 24 hour security. Seda and her friends visited Independence Monument and were allowed to take pictures on the steps. One of her friend asked the guard if they can go inside, and mentioned that Seda is a Norodom, a princess visiting from the U.S. The guard agreed, but for only a few minutes. The photos were impressive, just like what you would see in a postcard. Pictures are worth a thousand words.