April 17, 2025: Honoring the Past
50th Anniversary of the Fall of Phnom Penh
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, we mark 50 years since the fall of Phnom Penh with a global Day of Remembrance—a time to reflect, honor, and connect with a series of commemorative events.
Opening Event
Date & Time: April 17, 2025, 7:00 AM PST / 9:00 AM CDT / 10:00 AM EST / 4:00 PM CET / 9:00 PM ICT / 12:00 AM (+1) AET
Format: Online
Language: English
Description: Hosts from Cambodia, Australia, France, Canada, and USA will share a moment of collective reflection, discussing the significance of this date in their respective communities. With Sopheap Chea, Roger Ly, Jean-Alex Quach, Olary Yim, Laura Ouk, Sophoan Khoeun, RĂ©my Chhem, Sokunthary Svay moderated by Jean-Baptiste Phou. Ritual performance by Chumvan Sodhachivy (Belle).
Online participation: Bring a white scarf or fabric to take part in a symbolic ritual.
Open​ Reflection Room
Date & Time: April 17, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM CDT (Chicago)
Host : The Cambodian American Heritage Museum & the Killing Fields Memorial
Format: Online
Description: A virtual space for individuals to connect, reflect, and commemorate in their own way. Features continuous smot chanting at the Wall of Remembrance from the The Killing Fields Memorial and an open chat for sharing thoughts.
Online participation: Bring any object, image or text that you would like to share.
Day of Remembrance
Date & Time: April 17, 2025, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM CDT (Chicago)
Host : The Cambodian American Heritage Museum & the Killing Fields Memorial
Language: English and Khmer
Format: In-person at the Cambodian American Heritage Museum & the Killing Fields Memorial and online
Description: The Day of Remembrance, which takes place on April 17th each year, provides a platform for survivors, their families, and the general public to come together. Programming includes storytelling, a presentation of ceramic workshop outcomes, a candlelight vigil, a moment of silence and blessings by local clergy. Co-facilitated by Laura Ouk & Sophoan Khoeun.
Online participation: Bring a candle to take part in the candlelight ceremony.
April 26, 2025: Hope in Motion
A Global Celebration of Cambodia’s Resilience Through Dialogue and Art
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, we invite Cambodians and friends around the world to come together in a global celebration of resilience and creativity.
Echoes of Memory: Engaging the Past, Educating the Future
Date & Time: April 26, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ICT (Phnom Penh)
Host: Bophana Center
Format: In-person at Bophana Center and online
Language: Khmer with English translation
Description: Marking the historical significance of April 17, 1975, this event features historical presentations, survivor testimonies, and a youth panel discussion. Learn about educational initiatives like the Khmer Rouge History App and honor the resilience of survivors. With Dr. Duong Keo.
Online participation: Download the Khmer Rouge history app.
Hope to Peace
Date & Time: April 26, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM AET (Sydney)
Host: Roger Ly in collaboration with Khmer Community of NSW, Cambodian Australian Welfare Council, Cambodian Living Arts & Culture Australia
Format: In-person at the Khmer Community of NSW and online
Language: English and Khmer
Description: A cultural event combining rituals, performance art, and dialogue. It shares the experiences of Khmer-Australians, honoring historical struggles and building a vision for peace and understanding.
Building our Cambodian Cultural landmark
Date & Time: April 26, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CET (Paris)
Host: Pouma’Khmer
Format: In-person and online
Description: In the context of French universalism, Khmer-French individuals share artworks—a book, film, song, or other items—that helped them embrace their identity, revealing personal journeys.
Online participation: Contribute to a collaborative online library with your personal Cambodian cultural landmarks.
Long Beach Cambodia Town: 50 years, Where are we now?
Date & Time: April 26, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PST (Long Beach)
Host: Olary Yim, CEO of Catch Int’l LLC featuring Cambodia Town, UCC United Cambodian Community, CAA Cambodian Association of America, Khmer Parents and Cambodia Town Film Festival
Format: Online
Description: A safe haven for the diaspora since 1975, Long Beach holds the honor of being the oldest and largest Cambodian community outside of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Come meet the community leaders who built this city and moved us forward, all the while preserving our Khmer culture, identity & heritage.
More Than Good Refugees! 50 Years of Cambodian Presence in Montréal
Date & Time: April 26, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST (Montreal)
Host: Super Boat People Collective
Format: In person at Centre des mémoires montréalaises (MEM) and Online
Description: A virtual tour of Super Boat People’s exhibition at the Centre des mĂ©moires montrĂ©alaises (MEM), followed by a panel discussion with key social and cultural figures from Montreal’s Cambodian community.
Online participation: Participate in an online survey.
Fifty Years from Now
Date & Time: April 26, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST (New York)
Host: Sokunthary Svay
Format: Online
Description: A panel of Cambodian descendants from different countries and backgrounds, discussing their perspectives on the future in relation to legacy and culture.
Online participation: Imagine with us what the future could look like.