"The Journey For Humanity" March In Washington

``THE JOURNEY FOR HUMANITY'' MARCH IN WASHINGTON -- (Extensions of Remarks - December 08, 2006)

* Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor a group of young individuals from Journey for Humanity, of which I, along with my Armenian Caucus Co-Chair, the gentleman from Michigan, Mr. KNOLLENBERG, had the opportunity to meet with last month. Their goal is to raise awareness and recognition of the Armenian Genocide, as well as other human rights atrocities occurring around the world today.

* Last month the group arrived in Washington, having walked across the country. The 3,000-mile Journey for Humanity walk began approximately 5 months ago in Los Angeles, CA with the support of the Armenian Assembly of America. Since then, the marchers have crossed a dozen states and held rallies in eleven major U.S. cities to honor the victims and survivors of all genocidal acts and advance the cause of genocide prevention.

* The group marched twenty miles a day until it reached the Nation's capital. Although the walk officially concluded, the Journey continues with hopes for a documentary and a book to archive their efforts at genocide awareness and prevention. They also have plans for a series of lectures across college campuses to promote this important human rights message.

* For decades we've all heard the words ``never again,'' yet we continue to see the same type of horrors happening today. With the death toll in the Darfur region of the Sudan nearing 400,000, these young people hope to show the importance of learning from the past and to prevent future genocides.

* As descendants of genocide survivors, these young men and women carry the memory and live in the reality of the consequences of genocide. As Americans, it is our collective responsibility to inform our country about atrocious crimes against humanity, in an attempt to prevent future episodes.

* I commend their courage and passion, as well as the Armenian Assembly, for their efforts in raising public awareness and affirmation of these crimes against humanity. I heartily support their endeavors.

* Mr. Speaker, next Congress I, along with my Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Joe Knollenberg and my fellow Caucus colleagues ADAM SCHIFF and GEORGE RADANOVICH, plan to re-introduce a resolution affirming the Armenian Genocide. The truth of the past must be told and acknowledged as a first step to genocide prevention. I encourage all Members of this body to cosponsor this important resolution.

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