[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2220-E2221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            ``THE JOURNEY FOR HUMANITY'' MARCH IN WASHINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 8, 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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