by Diane Robertson
My 17 year old daughter and I had the wonderful opportunity to join with thousands upon thousands of people in Washington D.C. on Friday to march for the lives of the unborn.
Men and women came from all across the nation to form a mighty river of people– people of goodwill and brotherly love. Never have I been in a crowd where Jesus’s commandment to love your neighbor as yourself was so thoroughly felt and acted upon.
Unlike any other crowd that I have ever been in, this crowd was kind. There was no pushing and shoving. Everyone used clean language. People were considerate and helpful to one another.
The crowd was diverse. There were as many high school and college students as there were adults of all ages. There were as many men and boys as there were women and girls. Buses brought in high school and college students from the many private Catholic high schools and universities around the nation. People came by bus, train, car, and plane.
Before the march began, a rally was held. For the first time in the 44 years since the March for Life began, a member of the executive branch attended and spoke. Mike Pence, the new vice president, was introduced by his lovely wife, Karen. Both Vice President Pence and his wife have been involved in the pro-life movement for years. Vice President Pence spoke of hope in saving the lives of the unborn.
There were many excellent speakers. Representative Mia Love, from Utah, said that, “each child born and unborn has the potential to open up our world and take us to places and spaces we’ve never imagined.” She continued, “each living child carries with him or her the potential for greatness.”
NFL star Ben Watson, rallied the men. “Men, it is time we rise up [in] the pro-life movement. Men, we cannot be silent anymore,” Watson said. “As important as women have been in championing this cause, you men, us men, must rise up and lead the charge.”
“Even if it wasn’t demonstrated for you by a father, you can be different, you can change the course of generation.” He added, “men, we can be silent no more.”
The people who attended this march came only for love of their fellowmen. There is nothing to gain by marching or speaking against abortion. Being prolife is not about self; it is all about saving the lives and the dignity of other people.