Locals in Thessaloniki make a human chain, commemorating 100 years since Pontic Genocide

A human chain with the letter "G" was made on Wednesday afternoon at Aristotelous Square in the heart of Thessaloniki, by people of all ages, sending a strong message and commemorating the 100 years since the horrific Genocide of Pontus.

Hundreds gathered to make a human chain saying "No more Genocides",  which was the initiative of the Youth Coordination Committee of the WTO, honouring the 100th anniversary of Genocide of the Greeks of Pontus, which will be remembered on Sunday 19 May, the official day marking the genocide of Pontians.

The 'G' logo was made to honour those who suffered with many people holding yellow balloons to depict the amaranth, the plant that does not wither and suggests survival and regeneration of the Pontians.

2019 is the year where the 100th anniversary takes place and President of the Youth Coordination Committee, Yannis Papadopoulos said, "this image of G through social media sends a message that is stronger than words. We want this message and this image to travel all around the world, and for foreigners to see who we are and learn about the Greek Genocide of Pontus."

At Aristotelous Square in Thessaloniki, the Pancyprian Federation of Greece has set up an information pavilion and on Saturday 18^th of May, in collaboration with the Pontian Students Association of Thessaloniki, they will hold the event on May 19 by symbolically raising 100 midnight lights at the harbor of Thessaloniki for the 353,000 innocent people who lost their lives.