American Books Fit for an Asian King
As President Barack Obama was sworn into office in Washington DC another significant American ceremony took place 9,000 miles away. In the Royal Palace of Cambodia, newly appointed US Ambassador Carol Rodley presented her formal diplomatic credentials to Cambodia’s King Sihamoni, accompanied by her official gifts; American books fit for a King.
King Sihamoni of Cambodia receiving official gifts from newly appointed US Ambassador Carol Rodley, accompanied by Embassy Spokesman and Cultural Attache, John Johnson, and Executive Assistant, LaVonya Hayward.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia (PR WIRE) – Surrounded by crenulated walls and elaborate tropical gardens, Cambodia’s Royal Palace is an exotic world onto itself. Since 1866, this has been the royal abode of this proud nation’s monarchs, whose lineage stretches back to the great Khmer Empire that once ruled most of Southeast Asia.
For nearly 150 years, all important state ceremonies have taken place in the Throne Hall, called Preah Thineang Dheva Vinnichay in Khmer, which means the "Sacred Seat of Judgment."
For nearly 150 years, all important state ceremonies have taken place in the Throne Hall, called Preah Thineang Dheva Vinnichay in Khmer, which means the “Sacred Seat of Judgment.” It was here that King Sihamoni received US Ambassador Carol Rodley, accepting her diplomatic papers and, as protocol dictates, conducting an official exchange of gifts between the two nations. Ambassador Rodley chose her American gifts quite carefully.
Years of foreign service and a true appreciation for Cambodian culture prepared Rodley for her important post. Already a Khmer speaker from an earlier Cambodian assignment in 1997-2000, Rodley began preparing for her royal ceremony weeks in advance. Her research led her to US publisher, Kent Davis, a Khmer history specialist and researcher with Devata.org.
“My books are primarily for Cambodians and academics, so I was curious when a Virginia woman sought out these specialized titles. That woman was Ambassador Rodley,” said Davis.
"Earth in Flower" and "Angkor the Magnificent"
Rodley chose two books and a DVD as official gifts to include in her ceremony: “Earth in Flower” by Dr. Paul Cravath, the most complete history of Cambodian dance ever published; “Angkor the Magnificent” by Helen Churchill Candee, an evocative account of the Khmer Empire; and a rare digital copy of a 1962 film about Cambodian dance featuring the King’s sister, Princess Buppha Devi, from the US National Archives.
Weeks later in the gilded Throne Hall, the newest United States Ambassador presented her credentials to King Sihamoni in his native language and wearing a Khmer silk business suit. Presentation of her diplomatic credentials was soon followed by the uniquely American gifts of Cambodian scholarship, which delighted her royal host.
The Ambassador’s actions and her gifts embody American appreciation and respect for Cambodian culture. With diplomatic empathy like this, I believe the United States can regain its reputation as a world leader known for sharing knowledge, culture and freedom. I’m honored my books were part of this event,” said Davis.
Website: www.DatAsia.us
Contact: Kent Davis kdavis@DatAsia.us Direct line 941-778-3086 (FL, USA)
Publisher: DatASIA, Inc. is a US publisher affiliated with the Independent Book Publishers Association, and Small Publishers Association of North America. The company has offices in Florida, USA and Bangkok, Thailand. www.DatAsia.us
###
More From Devata.org
- Video: Classic Cambodian Dance & History
- Revival of Khmer Dance Tradition in Cambodia
- Lost History of Royal Cambodian Dance Reappears in “Earth in Flower”
Devata.org Recommends
- Engineering images bring life to submerged city (ArchaeoinAction)
- Greece: Top 10 archaeological discoveries of 2011 (ArchaeoinAction)
Ask Devata.org To Recommend Your Posts Related posts:
- Angkor the Magnificent – Classic Asian Adventure by Titanic Survivor Helen Candee April 15th. 2008 marked the 96th anniversary of the sinking...
- Lost History of Royal Cambodian Dance Reappears in “Earth in Flower” Earth in Flower: Lost History of Cambodian Royal Dancers Reappears...
Posted in Khmer History. Tagged with Add new tag, Angkor the Magnificent, barack obama, Cambodian History, datasia, Earth in Flower, King Sihamoni, president obama, Royal Palace, us ambassador.
3 comments
3 Responses
Stay in touch with the conversation, subscribe to the RSS feed for comments on this post.
We recently visited Cambodia for our ExoticWorldGifts.com business empowering artisans with sustainable income and were overwelmed by the past inhumanity, the stamina of the human spirit and the beauty. If you want to learn more, visit the site to see and read more about the artisans and how all of us can make a difference. Thanks!
Continuing the Discussion
Some HTML is OK
(required)
(required, but never shared)
or, reply to this post via trackback.