Recognizes April 17, 2025, as "Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day" to honor the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime and encourages national reflection and remembrance.
Lori Trahan
Representative
MA-3
This bill designates April 17, 2025, as "Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day" to honor the almost 2,000,000 Cambodian people murdered by the Khmer Rouge regime. It expresses support for the Cambodian people's pursuit of democracy and encourages reflection on the genocide's history, requesting the President to issue a proclamation for its observance.
Resolution Proposes April 17th as Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day
This resolution aims to officially designate April 17th as "Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day". The core purpose is to formally honor the memory of the nearly two million Cambodians who perished under the Khmer Rouge regime between 1975 and 1979. It specifically notes that 2025 will mark the 50th anniversary of the start of this horrific period.
Marking a Solemn Date
The resolution isn't just about setting aside a date; it's about acknowledging a specific, tragic history. By designating April 17th, it seeks to establish a formal, national moment to remember the victims who faced starvation, torture, and murder. It explicitly encourages reflection on the history and lasting impact of the genocide.
Recognizing Resilience and Requesting Action
Beyond remembrance, the resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for this day. It acknowledges the ongoing efforts of the Cambodian people towards democracy and recognizes the work of the Cambodian diaspora within the United States in seeking federal recognition of the genocide. Furthermore, it includes a formal request for the President to issue a proclamation, calling on the people of the U.S. to observe the day appropriately through ceremonies and activities, embedding this remembrance into the national consciousness.