I am given the honor to introduce in English the rarely seen dance performances while my lovely co-presenter Ms. Samantha Eang has the honor to introduce them in Khmer.
As a genocide survivor and a peace advocate, I am profoundly pleased to learn that the opening dance will be Robamm Preap Sar and will be performed by the children dancers of the Dance Troupe of Oregon.
Robamm Preap Sar literally means Dance of the White Doves. A white dove symbolizes peace which in turn symbolizes purity and prosperity. As Cambodia came out the Killing Fields in 1979, a group of dedicated dance teachers at the University of Fine Arts in Cambodia created this classical dance. In the spirit of purity and prosperity, this classical dance appeals to the entire human race to help bring peace to Cambodia and all parts of the world.
I am also pleased to learn that the organizers of this event have invited Portland Mayor Tom Potter and his wife Karin Hansen to take part in the celebration. While most public officials would and could only know my community by means of its elevator speeches, Mayor Tom Potter and his wife have known my community by means of its heart, culture and heritage.
I am pleased to extend the invitation to you so that you too may get to know my community by means of its heart, culture and heritage.
May this year of the Metal Rat bring you peace and prosperity.
