American Declaration of Independence, First Translation in Khmer
Khmer Community leaders Sotheary Duong, Lam Yem and Hoeun Hach are pictured above with the first translation of the Declaration of Independence in the Khmer language at Nathan Hale Park,
Saint Paul, Minnesota..
July 3rd, 2023 the Cambodian Community announced the completion of a multi year effort to translate the American Declaration of Independence into their native language Khmer. Scholars from Cambodia, Thailand and the United States contributed to the effort. Printing and framing of the translation was done in Saint Paul, Minnesota with generous gifts of support by the Khmer community nationally. The community intends to deliver and formally unveil their work later this year at Independence Hall in Philedelphia, Pennsylvania, where the original document was signed. That document declared independence and freedom from tyranny by the first thirteen States of America, formally separating them from the King of England. Nathan Hale Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota was chosen for the announcement as its name sake Nathan Hale was a major figure in the American Revolution. He was arrested tried and executed for his support of independence from King George III and Great Britain. His last words " I regret I have but one life to lose for my country" are taught and recited by all Americans as an expression of devotion and sacrifices we make in defense of Freedom.
Pictured here is the first translation of the Declaration of Independence into the Khmer language, the native language of Cambodia.
Nathan Hale was an American soldier during the Revolutionary War and was hanged by the British for espionage in 1776.
Pictured here is the back side of the Nathan Hale statue depicting his bound hands as he is lead to the gallows to be hanged.