According to pro-lifers involved, "the March for Life is a peaceful demonstration to share the truth concerning the greatest human rights violation of our time, legalized abortion on demand."
The first march was on Jan. 22, 1974, about a year after the U.S. Supreme Court decided which brought thousands of pro-lifers out to participate in the first "March for Life to stand up for the unborn." The march is held annually on or about the anniversary of the court's decision legalizing abortion in the case of Roe vs. Wade.
One of the local participants, Jack Lake, recounted the experience of traveling to join the large group of marchers. His story follows.
"Traveling by bus for 22 hours to Washington, D.C., standing on your feet for over 12 hours for two consecutive days and turning around and driving 22 hours home, is not something most would consider fun," said Lake. "However, when you are going to support a cause you believe wholeheartedly in, it's a minor sacrifice you're willing to make in an effort to make a difference. It's a time for reflection and a truly emotional experience.
"Attending the March for Life is a surreal experience to say the least. There is much to take in when arriving in an already busy city which now has 600,000 additional guests from across the United States along with many other countries. (That would be like filling Busch Stadium 13 and a half times or Kauffman Stadium 15 and a half times.) Jan. 22, these people came together in Washington, D.C. for the largest Human Rights Demonstration in the world. If this is the first you've heard of this, you're not alone. The annual March for Life, which takes place in Washington D.C. on the anniversary of the 1973 landmark decision Roe vs. Wade (legalizing abortion), draws hundreds of thousands of people. Unfortunately this event tends to go largely unnoticed or downplayed by mainstream media.
"Our particular group of eight from Saint Paul's Lutheran Church in California, chose to attend a youth rally immediately upon arrival on Wednesday, Jan. 21. This rally was located in a conference room inside of the Renaissance DC Downtown Hotel. Someone who stood out in the youth rally was a red headed boy around 12 years old. Although he was blind and had to fight for his life after being born premature at only 24 weeks, he could sing with the best of them. His energy was contagious as well as his laughter. Sometimes it's easy to dismiss people because of noticeable disabilities and unfortunately many abortions take place, due to a possible disability uncovered through Prenatal testing. However, we were reminded at the youth rally, nobody is perfect and every life matters. Every life is a gift!
"Thursday, Jan. 22, most of the guests also attended the Pre-March Rally, which takes place on the National Mall just prior to the March for Life. As the National Anthem was about to begin a pin drop probably couldn't be heard, yet it was quiet enough to hear birds chirping from a distance. As a reminder for why we march, we heard from several speakers. Some of these people included pro-life advocates from both political parties, women who regret a choice to have an abortion, men who regret lost fatherhood, pastors and priests from various denominations, and teenagers standing up for both future generations and the third of their generation lost to abortion.
"Missouri is well represented with numerous busloads of Pro-Lifers flocking to Washington D.C. for the March for Life. Many buses came from right here in Mid-Missouri. While seen largely as a Catholic event, attendees include Catholic parishes, high schools, universities, and organizations, but also many other denominations, secular and civil groups. Some groups had hundreds with them, some were families marching together and some came by themselves. Most unimagined were the thousands of teenagers in attendance. Energy filled the streets as people began to march on Constitution Drive toward the Supreme Court. We heard singing, prayers and uplifting chanting in support of life. We were fortunate to find and march alongside of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Lutherans for Life.
"The 42nd Annual March for Life and this experience is only the beginning of what we can do to support a culture of Life. If nothing else, it is a reminder of the importance we as citizens have to communicate with our representatives. It's as easy as picking up the phone, sending an email, or even message them on Facebook. If you don't know who your Missouri State representatives are, look them up and begin communicating with them. Together we can make a difference. Every life matters. Every life is a gift.
"As President Ronald Reagan said, ""We cannot diminish the value of one category of human life- the unborn- without diminishing the value of all human life.'"
"We feel all babies have a right to life and no mother, father or family member should ever have to endure the pain and emotional scars left by abortion. We are the Pro-Life generation who is making a stand and that is why we march."