Cambodia's love, respect for monarch evident at cremation

The clouds of smoke rose into the dark sky of Phnom Penh, the earsplitting artillery salute was sounded and people were weeping. Everyone here knew the King-Father Norodom Sihanouk had just finished his last journey.

When Sihanouk's son and successor, King Norodom Sihamoni, and Queen-Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk lit the funeral flame, the culmination of the 100 days since the King-Father died finally came.

Only those who had received an invitation to the funeral, including the country's elite and foreign dignitaries - no more than 3,000 people - were allowed inside the cremation grounds. Yet mourners gathered in the square nearest the area, pressing their palms together and praying.