Monday, April 13, 2009

Between Heaven and Earth: Remembrance

This week marks the 35th anniversary of the genocide in Cambodia. Ironically, it also falls on Cambodian New Years and Easter Sunday. I attended a prayer service this past weekend to remember the family members who were killed. For Cambodians around the world, there's not a family left untouched by death, starvation, disease and slavery. As I've learned through the years, it is the story of our people--of darkness and beauty.

Elders chant to the souls of their beloved.

A little girl deep in prayer.

Two palms brought together in prayer.

A list of deceased family members being burned to commemorate their loss.


The hand of an elderly accepting flowers as a gesture of forgiveness.


Incense burn as two ladies leave hand in hand in the distance.

11 comments:

Jay said...

Those are great shots, it really captured the day. I love coming here, reading things like this. You're so very talented.

TheChicGeek said...

Lovely tribute, Ron. I love the picture of the little girl in prayer...absolutely stunning. Very powerful. I will say a prayer for your people :)
xox

Bon Don said...

Oh Ron this is a beauiful tribute! Thank you for sharing.

The Demigoddess said...

These are awesome shots, Ron. It is a sad story, what you and your people have gone through. It's a history every generation of Cambodians, wherever they may be, must always commemorate to remind them of the courage of those that came before them.

Kimberly said...

I'm in love with the one of the lady holding the flowers. Absolutely beautiful, Ron!! All of them. What a great Tribute.

Diana Saw said...

love your photos as always.

Anonymous said...

:( ...

DUTA said...

This is sad, and I know the feeling.My nation has undergone the Hollocaust where millions were exterminated among them my sister and an aunt. Lately, I've even refused to go to public commemorations as I feel angry with the world.

Anonymous said...

You know Ron, there are some human acts that I just cannot fathom, so terrible are they. But this beautiful tribute to those that were lost makes it a little easier to understand the devastation that was caused.

Peace

Dan said...

Very nice remembrance, Ron. Well done.

Desert Rat said...

Awe. Beautiful!