ARMENIAN-AMERICAN ACTIVISTS LED FINAL MARCH TO US CAPITOL
DeFacto Agency, Armenia
Dec 5 2006
After walking cross-country for four months from Los Angeles
to Washington, a group of Armenian-American activists who formed
Journey for Humanity led a final march to the United States Capitol
this month. According to the information DE FACTO received at the
Armenian Assembly of America (AAA), along with Assembly Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny, the group had met with the Armenian Caucus
Co-Chairs Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI)
to discuss their 3,000 mile journey and efforts to advance the cause
of genocide prevention as well as honor the victims and survivors of
all genocidal acts.
"I commend the dedication of these six Armenian students, as well as
the Armenian Assembly for their efforts in raising public awareness
and affirmation of these crimes against humanity," said Pallone and
Knollenberg. "Awareness and education are the keys to prevention".
While in Washington, the group also participated in a panel discussion
hosted by the George Washington University Armenian Student’s
Network. The event was cosponsored by Georgetown University Armenian
Student’s Association, Students Taking Action Now for Darfur (STAND),
Progressive Student Union, Hillel and the Armenian Assembly.
In addition to Journey for Humanity, featured speakers included Lisa
Rogoff of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Jana El-Horr of the
American Islamic Congress, Julia Fitzpatrick of Citizens for Global
Solutions and Martha Heinemann-Bixby of the Save Darfur Coalition.
"I applaud the entire Journey for Humanity team for their courageous
spirit," said Ardouny. "It is heartening to see this group of
thoughtful, civic-minded individuals devote their time and energy to
raising awareness of the need to remember and learn not only about
the Armenian Genocide, but all genocides in order to prevent future
occurrences".
Journey for Humanity’s next step is to create a speakers bureau
which will travel to universities, middle schools and high schools
to discuss genocide prevention.