On July 14, Prime Minister Hun Sen presided over the inauguration of a memorial monument for fallen soldiers during World War I (1914-1918).
French ambassador to Cambodia, Jacques Pellet, along with national and international participants, was also present at the event.
Hun Sen noted that the monument’s inauguration coincided with fete nationale francaise or Bastille Day, expressing his congratulations to France.
“The inauguration of this memorial monument between Cambodia and France is the acknowledgment of the value of peace for the younger generation forever. We are united in maintaining solidarity and it will further deepen Cambodian-French cooperation,” the Prime Minister stated.
He announced that this new memorial monument has been handed over to the Phnom Penh municipal administration, permitting the French embassy in Cambodia to hold a memorial service for the fallen soldiers.
He expressed his hope that this monument would improve the aesthetics of Phnom Penh, contribute to recreational facilities, attract tourism, and highlight the city’s historical connection with reviving artistic spectacles from the past.
Jacques Pellet noted that the original monument was built in 1925 and destroyed in 1975 during the Democratic Kampuchea regime.
The monument has been rebuilt as a symbol of Cambodian-French friendship and especially to honor Cambodian soldiers who aided French troops during World War I.
“This monument will serve as a memorial for the people of Cambodia and France who died in the service of France. Their bravery and sacrifices led to victory in 1918 in France and solidified our enduring friendship,” he added.
The construction of the memorial monument took 163 days, and the completed structure stands 12.3 meters tall.
