2005 KHMER HERITAGE CELEBRATION
A NIGHT OF REMEMBRANCE, FRIENDSHIP, LOVE, AND APPRECIATION
The year 2005 will go into the history books as the “Year of Disasters”. We had Mother Nature's destruction brought forth by hurricanes on the East Coast, a horrendous tsunami in Asia, and a devastating earthquake that took many lives in Pakistan. In addition, we have many brave men and women in another part of the world defending our freedom as Americans. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and survivors, and for those brave men and women who journey into the unknown to help and protect those who are less fortunate.
December 31 st marked the end of the year 2005 and with much excitement, we welcomed 2006. Nearly 350 people were in attendance to help us celebrate life, friendship, diversity, and to ring in the New Year with much laughter and love. Our small communities of volunteers had worked diligently to put together this annual heritage celebration. The buffet style dinner, with various tasty deserts offered at the Doubletree Hotel received many compliments. It was quite delicious, filling, and healthy.
During the event, Kilong Ung (CACO President) and Chanly Bob (CACO Chairman) were praised for the successes of CACO by respected leaders such as Mayor Tom Potter, Colonel Simsundareth Tan, Lillian Tsai, and Mike Mahoney. Although it is extremely flattering to receive such praise, it must be known that our accomplishments, our successes, are the result of the hardworking and unselfish volunteers. It is the volunteers who deserve the praise, and are truly worthy of the applause. Thank you for making this a fun event, and a fun filled year. Yes it was mentally and physically exhausting! Yes we shed more than a few sweat and tears! Yes we even paid for our own tickets! But you know what, this is what volunteering is all about and the experience itself is worth all the sacrifices. After nearly 17 years (yes that's right), we are still marching forward. There must be a reason why? No pay and even no recognition. Are we fools? I say NOT quite, but we are surely having fun and changing lives in the process! Who is ready for another year of fun?
December 31 st , a room filled with people from a mixture of cultures and backgrounds, were thoroughly impressed with the cultural performances. If the audience could only see the hard work and dedication that is put into a “30 minute performance”, you would realize that December 31 st was a special night to remember. Thank you to Lead Dance Instructor, volunteer Bonnearin Sin , with assistance from assistant Dance Instructors Vice President Melanie Lim, and Maly Meyers for putting together a cultural performance that has been etched into our hearts and minds. We will remember this night for years and years to come. Your dedication and sacrifice without expecting anything in return deserves my utmost respect.
Our culture and traditions can never die. We must do everything in our power to ensure culture and traditions will live on. We must learn to help, encourage, and support each other so that any obstacles that stand in our way will not slow our progress. An obstacle ten feet tall will seem a mile high and the climb nearly impossible if there is a lack of help, encouragement, and support. This is not a battle that is faced only by the Cambodian's, but other cultures as well. We must unite, we must empower, we must preserve!
May your kindness and compassion change lives and comfort your hearts.
May we never forget the brothers and sisters in Cambodia who are in search of hope and comfort for their daily struggles.
May our struggles and strength to persevere provide strength and inspiration to those who need the strength to get up, and the inspiration to push themselves to reach the impossible.
May the New Year bring you peace, prosperity, and happiness for you and your loved ones.
With much respect and sincerity,
Chanly Bob
Board Chairman
Cambodian-American Community of Oregon
