On Saturday, April 28, for the fifth consecutive year, the Armenian Genocide Walk will take place in Philadelphia, U.S., providing an opportunity for the entire Philadelphia community to gather to commemorate the 97th anniversary of the Genocide, and educate the public on Turkish denial of the atrocities committed against the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire from 1915-18, The Armenian Weekly reported.

Hundreds will gather at the Mher Statue by the Philadelphia Museum of Art and walk through the streets of Philadelphia to rally and bring exposure to the cause. At the conclusion of the walk, a program will be held on the lawn of the Independence Hall Visitor’s Center featuring keynote speaker, renowned Turkish scholar, Dr. Taner Akcam. The program will also include participation by local dignitaries, community leaders, and clergymen with performances by the Jampa Band and Hamazkayin Meghri Dance Group.

With support from the Philadelphia Armenian Inter-Communal Committee, the Philadelphia Armenian Genocide Walk is sponsored by youth representatives from area churches and organizations who have worked tirelessly to develop a meaningful and special opportunity for the Philadelphia Armenian community - and nearby communities - to come together to make an appeal for justice.

On April 24, Armenian Martyrs’ Day, the Philadelphia Armenian Inter-Communal Committee will sponsor a Requiem Service, wreath-laying, and cultural program at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 101 Ashmead Road, Cheltenham, Pa., beginning at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. It is organized by all five Philadelphia Armenian churches, and will feature students of the Armenian Sisters Academy performing songs and recitations, as well as an address by Armenian Genocide Walk co-chair Vicken Bazarbashian.