Armenian Genocide Walk - Saturday April 26th, 2008 / Why Walk?

Photos
(coming soon)

WHY WALK?

A committee of youth from Philadelphia's five Armenian churches has organized this event, which will unite Armenians from the Greater Philadelphia area and friends of the Armenian community to honor the strength and perseverance of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, by insisting on proper recognition of the Genocide and ensuring that no group of people suffer such crimes against humanity ever again!

In addition, we have contacted and are soliciting help from many of the local Armenian organizations, namely the Armenian Youth Federation, Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Armenian Church Youth Organization of America, Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian National Committee, Armenian Assembly of America, etc.

The program will take place on Saturday April 26, 2008, beginning at 1:00pm on the Art Museum steps. The commemoration will begin with a 2 mile walk along Kelly Drive where registered participants and bystanders will receive information about the Armenian Genocide and our group's stand against all crimes against humanity. At the conclusion of the walk, everyone will gather in front of the Art Museum steps for a 45 minute commemorative program featuring local dignitaries, clergymen, and various performances by Armenian youth. Culminating the day will be a requiem service ("Hokehankist") to remember those victims that perished in the Genocide.

Participants in the walk are asked to register via the Registration link to the left, with a registration fee ($15 if you register before April 25th, $20 after) payable via mail or on the day of the event. Registrants will also receive a commemorative tshirt - the design of which is also available on the Registration page. The registration fee can be made out to St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian Church or Holy Trinity Armenian Church - with the funds designated to the "2008 Philadelphia Armenian Genocide Walk."

We are asking for your support for the event, and to request your assistance in encouraging the Philadelphia community to attend on April 26th, 2008 at the Art Museum. Additionally, we appreciate any financial contributions, which will be used to help offset the expenses of the event. Any remaining proceeds will be donated to Facing History and Ourselves, a non-profit organization dedicated to examination of racism, prejudice, and antisemitism, in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry. ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

We look forward to bringing our Philadelphia community together on April 26th to remember a somber moment in our history as an Armenian people, but also to celebrate our strength and perseverance. Thank you and please contact us with any questions.

Note: Facing History and Ourselves is an international, educational, and professional development organization whose mission is to engage students of diverse backgrounds in the teachings and examinations of the many examples of genocide. Facing History highlights education, often overlooked, as a crucial tool for strengthening civil societies. Their latest featured publication is Crimes Against Humanity and Civilization: The Genocide of the Armenians: A Multimedia Resource for Teachers. Armenians of Philadelphia believe that through such tools we can raise awareness among Armenians and non-Armenians alike and achieve the long-standing goal of national recognition of the Armenian Genocide.