Rochelle News-Leader - 09/29/2006

Journey For Humanity raises awareness of genocide
By Mary Ellen Taylor

ROCHELLE — The temperature had dropped and the wind picked up by late Friday (Sept. 29) afternoon when a small band of marchers made their way to the western edge of Rochelle to rest in the parking lot of the old Del Monte 199 plant. But after a brief stop, they were prepared to press on to Chicago for meetings with area legislators and planned rallies over the weekend.

Six descendants of Armenian genocide survivors began a 3,300-mile trek from the steps of Los Angles City Hall on June 27, hoping to reach their Washington, D.C. destination by Oct. 30. Their goal is to raise awareness and recognition of not just the Armenian Genocide (1915 – 1923 under the Turkish Empire), but also of other genocides occurring around the world today such as the one in Darfur, Sudan.
“As genocide survivors, the Armenians carry the memory and live in the reality of consequences of genocide. As Americans, we feel that it is our responsibility to inform our country about atrocious crimes against humanity, in an attempt to prevent future episodes,” said Edward S. Majian.

The four walkers and two crewmembers, affiliated with the non-profit United Armenian Students organization, try to maintain a 30-mile per day pace by walking approximately 10 hours each day. They will cross 12 states and hold rallies in 11 major U.S. cities to advance the mission of the Journey and advocate recognition of Crimes Against Humanity, in particular the Armenian Genocide.
The students ask that constituents contact their congressman to act on resolutions in the House and

Senate pertaining to genocide such as remembering the victims of the Nazi death camps, the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the 1975-1979 genocide in Cambodia, the 1992-1995 genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the genocide currently taking place in Darfur, Sudan.
For more information or further ways to support the Journey For Humanity, please visit their website at www.journeyforhumanity.com.

Vahe Abovian, in explaining their mission, quoted Edmond Burke, “All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.”

Source: Rochelle News-Leader