Never Fall Down
Arn (far left) with CLA members.
(Halle) Arn Chorn-Pond was a survivor of the Cambodian genocide from 1975-1979. Patricia McCormick wrote a book called Never Fall Down about how Arn managed to stay alive during the long four years under the control of the Khmer Rouge. A total of two million people died, which is a quarter of the population.
Arn was just an 11-year-old boy who mainly spent his time selling ice cream to earn money. In 1975, the Khmer Rouge, a communist regime, came to power in Cambodia and marched entire villages to the countryside. Arn was separated from the rest of his family and was assigned to work in the rice fields for insane hours out in the blazing sun with almost no food. The Khmer Rouge killed all the educated and rich people because they wanted everyone to be equal.
One day a soldier asked if anyone played music. Arn, who has never played a single note on an instrument, raised his hand thinking that if he was a little bit famous, his life might be spared. In order to survive, he quickly learned to play the khim from an old master that taught him new songs required by Pol Pot. These songs were about how much they loved Angka. In this new society, if they dare disrespected Angka, they would have been killed in a heartbeat. The next day the old master didn’t come to music class. He was killed because he had knowledge of the traditional music of Cambodia which they wanted to eliminate.
Most of the Cambodian art and music had vanished away with the old musicians. Ninety percent of the masters were killed during the genocide. Arn created a program called Cambodian Living Arts to try to teach the young generation original music and instruments that would otherwise be lost. They found some of the instruments on the walls of the temples and recreated them. Arn searched for the few old masters that had survived the genocide to help him teach the forgotten music to the young people. Then they have the opportunities for good paying jobs as artists in their communities, playing at weddings, local theatre or as teachers to continue passing along these important traditions.
Arn taught me that love is powerful and it can prevent people from killing one another in war or genocides in the future. He asked me to appreciate what I have such as loving parents, amiable siblings, and access to food and shelter. The reason Arn repeatedly talks about appreciation is because kids sometimes don’t realize how lucky they are to have what Arn didn’t.
Hi Halle – I was delighted to meet you and your family traveling to Battambang on The Bus. It is a real treat to read your blog. I hope the rest of your time in Cambodia raised lots of questions for which you will continue to seek answers. I look forward to following the rest of your adventures as you travel with your family. Keep writing.
Nice job hashtaghalpal again, you amaze me with the quality of your writing. Arn sounds like such an inspirational and influential man. Miss you so much hope your having a great time in myanmar (i might of spelled that wrong)
Halle,
What a wonderful synopsis! So well written as well! I read the book, and had such a feeling of awe at the strength of Arn and the life that he had to endure. You captured the emotion of the book so well. I am loving your posts….. Zara, yours too……. Keep learning girls, and thank you so much for sharing your journey with all of us! Xoxoxoxox missa wooffeee!
Wonderful write up and so insightful as to all the blessings we should be aware of and thankful for each day. Also, I am happy that you are finding your siblings amiable even after all this time together! Miss you Halle bean. xxxo
Dear Halle,
I had tears running down my face by the time I got to the end of your writing. Not only did you tell the story in a powerful and meaningful way, you left us with a very important thought in the last paragraph. It is something for adults to think about as well. I would have loved to have heard the music. Love, Grandma
Dear Salem Family, What an incredible experience. Paul and Navyn thank you for sharing the world with your children and sharing your trip with all of us.
You are missed in the neighborhood but with these post YOU are all with us through this breakneck snow fall this winter:)!!! m
I need to read this book- wow- meeting an author with such an experience is unforgettable. Does he have a family of his own? What is next on your reading list, Halle and crew?
Hi Mrs.Griffin it’s halle! Arn does not have his own children. Of his two living sisters, one lives in providence. The book I am reading now is The Art Of Hearing Heartbeats which takes place in Myanmar where I am now. Have you read it?
hi halle- yes- i read it and loved it!! annie had recommended it to me- it is such a sweet story and i did not want it to end- let me know what you think! especially about the ending…! g sends a big hello too! xo
Well said Halle. Thanks for understanding and sharing Arn’s story and his important messages.