In front of the Independence Monument in this capital, the monarch laid a wreath and lit the Flame of Victory, which symbolizes the ideals of emancipation, sovereignty and progress of this Southeast Asian nation.

In a brief speech, Hun Sen remembered the architect of the new life in the country, the late King Norodom Sihanouk, and called on the citizens to continue working to increase the economic and social progress.

At the end of the ceremony in the square, balloons and doves were released as an expression of the aspirations of the Cambodian people for freedom and peace.

In the evening, hundreds of fireworks were set off from the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh. The Flame of Victory will burn for three days.

Similar celebrations took place in other parts of the country to remember that November 9, 1953 when the Cambodians put an end to 90 years of French colonization.

pgh/etc/mem/asg