April 23, 2008 in Yerevan

Every year, the ARF youth in Armenia organize a rally and march from Freedom Square (Opera) to Dzidzernakabert, about a 2-3 hour walk. Last year was my first year and for me, it was a new experience that sent chills down my spine. Some could argue about the relevance of it in Armenia, where tens of thousands of kids from all over the world gather in Yerevan, and go virtually unseen by the mainstream media. But I think it's just as important to show that this unified message is also coming from the capital of the Armenia world. This march begins the commemorations in Armenia, and lay the foundation of flowers around the flame that are so iconically seen around the world.

As we marched through the streets, more than 10,000 people chanted "Jananchoom!" (recognition), all the buildings along the path were covered in candlelight as the residents approached their balconies to join in with solidarity. Aside from the fear of hair bursting up into flames with all the torches dispersed around, there was a feeling of unity that hasn't existed since the election riots. Perhaps it was something we needed to feel complete again.

This year, I marched with a group from Dubai and Lebanon, what originally would have been in the hundreds, but dwindled down to 20 or so after the effects of election riot fears kicked in. Here are some photos.