TURLOCK–The March For Humanity grew close to 100 in number over the weekend as AYF members from Fresno and Los Angeles traveled to Turlock–California to join the group of marchers–who have now completed half of their journey from Fresno to Sacramento.
After spending two nights at the United Methodist Church in Merced–the marchers were given a warm welcome over the weekend by the Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian Community of Turlock and Modesto.
Arriving at the Turlock Adult Day Healthcare Center–the marchers received a standing ovation and were greeted by representatives of the local Armenian television program "Ararat." After a brief rest–they enjoyed a delicious warm meal prepared by the Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church Ladies Society.
During dinner–Kurt Vander Weide–Turlock City Council member and Field Representative to California Assembly member Greg Aghazarian–visited the center and congratulated the marchers.
As the night drew to an end–close to 100 children of genocide survivors participated in a candle light vigil in memory of the 1.5 million souls that perished during the genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman regime in 1915. The participants sang "Godoradsn Ankout" and observed a moment of silence in honor and memory of Pope John Paul II.
The Armenian families of Turlock and Modesto graciously accepted the marchers into their homes that evening so that they may shower before embarking on their next stretch of road. They spent the night at the Turlock Adult Day Healthcare Center–whose management kindly granted the marchers full access to its facilities.
The marchers sent their best regards and gratitude to the Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church–the chairman of the parish council Hagop Karakashian–superintendent of the Armenian Language School Daniel Aydenian–the Ladies Society of the Holy Cross Armenian Church–the management of Turlock Adult Day Healthcare Center Vigen Mirzakhanian–and to council member Kurt Vander Weide.
Also inspiring the marchers and reminding us all that kindness still exists in the world–a homeless woman’saw the March For Humanity van and approached it–telling the marchers that she has heard about them and would like to support them by donating all she had: $3.