[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5728]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



             CELEBRATION OF CHOL CHNAM, CAMBODIAN NEW YEAR

 Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to join Cambodian-
Americans in celebration of the Cambodian New Year, Chol Chnam, one of 
the major celebrations of the Cambodian culture. Over the next three 
days there will be gatherings across the United States to celebrate the 
beginning of the Year of the Dragon. I take this opportunity to wish 
all of these people a very happy New Year.
  The Cambodian New Year represents more than just a renewal of the 
calendar and traditional end of the harvest, it is also a celebration 
of faith. Entry into the New Year, or Maha Sangkrant, is marked by the 
sounding of a bell. With the sounding, it is believed that the New 
Angel arrives. Throughout the day people participate in ceremonies and 
bring food to the Buddhist monks and religious leaders. The second day 
of celebration, or Vana Bat, is a time to show consideration for 
others. Gifts are given to parents, grandparents and teachers as a show 
of respect and charity is offered to the less fortunate. The third day, 
or Loeng Sak, includes more religious ceremonies and rituals to bring 
good luck and happiness to families.
  In my home state of Rhode Island there are numerous businesses owned 
by Cambodian-American families, most of them in the capital city 
Providence. These establishments contribute much to the local economy.
  The Cambodian New Year is an appropriate time to remind all Americans 
why we must support the political and economic stabilization of 
Cambodia. As the nation continues to recover from three decades of 
civil conflict, including the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge, 
it is critical that the United States and international community aid 
the Cambodian people in their efforts to build a lasting democracy.
  Therefore, on this day marking the beginning of Chol Chnam, I 
encourage all U.S. citizens to join in the spirit of this special 
holiday.

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