The second annual Johnstown Peace Walk started with a brief service before the walk kicked off.  City manager Melissa Komar, Congressman Keith Rothfus, students from Greater Johnstown High School, and Reverend Sylvia King were among the speakers.

At this time last year there were already three homicides in Cambria County.

We spoke with the leaders of the Peace Walk beforehand and they told WTAJ at the time they felt that violence was on the rise in their community, but believed that one year can make a big difference.

They said peace is something that everyone wants in this community and Friday night’s walk was a symbol of unity.

It wasn’t for any particular group, church, or school.  It was for everyone.  Organizers encouraged folks to join in at any point during the walk.

“This certainly is just an opportunity for us to continue to come together as one community in the spirit of unity, harmony, and love and just walk through the streets of our city,” said Reverend Sylvia King, the organizer of the Peace Walk.

The walk started at Central Park in downtown Johnstown and ended at Greater Johnstown High School’s Trojan Stadium, where a peace party was held.