[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6300]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        CAMBODIAN KHMER NEW YEAR

  Mr. REED. Mr. President. I rise today on behalf of my fellow Rhode 
Islanders to commemorate the 2549th Anniversary of the Buddha, the 
Khmer New Year.
  This 3-day anniversary, which begins today, highlights the rich 
heritage of Cambodian Americans, while recognizing contemporary 
Khmerian accomplishments. Specifically, the New Year's festivities 
celebrate the ancient dance, music, and religious traditions of the 
Cambodian community. The event also provides older Cambodian Americans 
with an opportunity to pass their customs down to future generations 
while simultaneously allowing all Khmerians to share their culture with 
other Americans.
  This celebration traditionally serves as a respite between the 
Khmerian harvest and the weeks colloquially referred to as the ``rainy 
season.'' Traditionally, the Anniversary of the Buddha affords 
Khmerians a chance to give thanks, reflect, and welcome the spirit 
Tevada Chhnam Thmey. Also, in accordance with tradition, scores of 
Cambodian-Americans will gather with friends and family to visit local 
monasteries. While there, the Khmerian people will proffer food to 
their clergymen, pray for ancestors, give charity to the less-
fortunate, forgive the misdeeds of others, and thank elders for their 
knowledge and care.
  The Khmerian ceremonies and activities occurring this week 
demonstrate that each year brings new opportunities for charity, peace, 
and happiness. Rhode Islanders witnessed the realization of one such 
opportunity this year. I was fortunate to work with Miriam Hospital in 
Providence and Representatives Kennedy and Langevin to obtain visas to 
reunite Cambodian-Rhode Islander Minea Meas with his family. Three long 
years after Minea received political asylum in our country, his wife, 
Chantol Lim, and his children Monita, Sovannra, and Sinvath joyfully 
relocated from Cambodia to build a positive future with Minea in Rhode 
Island. Consequently, the Meas family will never forget the Year of the 
Monkey.
  As we commemorate this important time, let us reflect on recent 
international affairs and our Nation's continued efforts to promote 
universal human rights and fundamental democratic ideals. Let us also 
take this opportunity to honor the Cambodian Americans currently 
serving in our Nation's military, for helping to preserve the liberties 
we all enjoy.
  Finally, I would like to wish all Cambodian Americans happiness, 
prosperity, and good health in this, the Year of the Rooster.

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