Hundreds of Cambodian-Americans gathered at the Nokesville Buddhist temple in Virginia on Sunday to celebrate Independence Day.
Revelers enjoyed live music and a religious ceremony and gave money to help build a section of the temple.
“This year we wanted to celebrate Independence Day, which enables us to enjoy freedom, and we also took this opportunity to hold a Bonn Phkar Samakki to raise some funds to build a recreation hall for future use,” said Duong Saron, one of the main organizers of the event.
Participants came mainly from Washington area, though others came from as far as Pennsylvania.
“Today, I am very happy to attend this event,” said Hem Heng, Cambodian Ambassador to the US. “I am also excited to see people here coming together to hold fundraising to build this temple, as it is very new and needs more help.”