California Youth Honor Genocide Victims,
Pope John Paul II

Modesto, Calif., April 14, 2005 - California Marchers, on the ninth day and 130th mile of their walk from Fresno, Calif. to Sacramento held a candle light vigil in memory of the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide and Pope John Paul II.

Walking 215 miles and 19 days in solidarity with the 1.5 million forgotten victims of the Armenian Genocide, the marchers are raising awareness about the Armenian Genocide and all crimes against humanity.

“Pope John Paul II was a peace-loving man, he visited Armenia, and condemned act of genocide committed against the Armenian people,” said Vicken Sosikian director of the March For Humanity. “His virtues and ideals guided millions across the world and helps guide us in our quest for justice.”

The dedicated group of marchers range in age from 16 to 63. They walk rain or shine about ten miles each day. They sleep in churches, eat from a lunch truck, and shower in a RV that travels with them.

Upon arrival in Sacramento, the marchers will join a mass rally at the California capitol building. The rally will thank the California State Legislature and those of 36 other state legislatures for officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

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For more information about the March For Humanity, the marchers, their shelter, and pictures, please visit www.marchforhumanity.org.

Media Contact:
Serouj Aprahamian (818) 507.1933

Vicken Sosikian
(818) 419.5157

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