The Killing Fields and s-21
In The Killing Fields there is a Killing Tree. Khmer Rouge soldiers would grab infant prisoners by the leg and slam them into its trunk. This gruesome method saved bullets and left a blood stain on the bark, unfaded to this day. The memories of thousands senselessly murdered in this camp from 1975 to 1979 are honored with a stupa, donated by South Korea and by colorful wrist-wear handed down from troupes of tourists. On a warm, clear May day perhaps a few hundred visitors will trickle into the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center. These few will see mass graves, scattered bones, and shelves of unidentified skulls lining the memorial stupa.
More people must learn of the Khmer Rouge’s crimes against humanity. Cambodia has recognized its past; it’s time we recognize Cambodia. When the Killing Tree’s trunk is completely engulfed in bracelets from the wrists of every nationality, Cambodia will know we acknowledge its painful history and pledge not to forget it. |