Officials and students participate in Independence Day celebrations in Phnom Penh on November 9. This year, Cambodia celebrates the 72nd anniversary of gaining independence from France in 1953. The historic day, which honors the freedom attained from French colonial rule, was marked with King Norodom Sihamoni lighting a fire at the Independence Monument where hundreds sang the national anthem and witnessed the release of colorful balloons. (CamboJA/ Pring Samrang)
