By Thomas Murawski
For over twenty years now I have been attending the annual March for Life held in Washington, DC in January to commemorate and protest the Supreme Court decision rendered in 1973 for Roe vs Wade, legalizing abortion in the USA. I have missed a couple of the Marches in that time: in 2021 the MFL was cancelled due to the pandemic and one year a blizzard resulted in local buses being cancelled. Over the years I have attended the event with many different groups and buses leaving from Queens and Brooklyn. I have attended with St. Stan’s of Maspeth, St Joseph’s of Astoria, St. Sebastian’s, Holy Family and 2 years with the bus from the Brooklyn Diocesan office.
As last year, I attended the March with a bus sponsored by Notre Dame Church in New Hyde Park since that trip was well organized. The day began with a 4:30 AM Mass celebrated by Father Stephen Rooney who was also attending the March. At about 5:20 AM the bus was loaded and ready to leave. Unlike last year, where approximately half the seats were empty mainly due a forecast which included snow, this year’s bus was filled. The trip down to Washington DC was going so well that the organizers (Father Rooney and Doctor Maryann) decided that we could schedule a stop at the National Basilica on the campus of Catholic University. It was noted that last minute speakers added to the rally included President Trump, who would speak via video conference, and newly elected Vice President JD Vance who would appear in person for his first public engagement as VP. The March for Life organizers had sent out an alert indicating that due to Vance’s presence that TSA type security measures would be instituted.
After the visit to the National Basilica the bus arrived in Washington DC with time to spare, or so we thought. The bus was unloaded and the participants met with Bishop John Barres of the Rockville Centre Diocese. We made our way to the rally but, with the extra security due to Vice President Vance’s presence, it took a while to get in. As we entered we heard the speakers. Unfortunately, the group was broken up getting through security. The speakers included Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey, Lila Rose of Live Action along with many others. One of the messages being driven home was the desire to “Defund Planned Parenthood” which takes millions of taxpayer dollars each year. As many people have heard, this was Jeanne Mancini’s last year leading the March for Life. She took over from Nellie Gray in 2012 and now she hands the baton to Jennie Bradley Lichter who also spoke at the March.
Of course, many people were waiting to hear President Trump speak. At his videotaped speech he announced pardons for the many pro-lifers who have been unjustly punished mainly for violating the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act as they peacefully prayed outside abortion facilities. These non-violent offenders have often been arrested by agents who drew their weapons as if they are apprehending violent criminals. We all know that this tactic is intended to intimidate pro-lifers. As such we thank President Trump for his actions. However, as he spoke, I couldn’t help but think that while we pro-lifers now have a president and supporter in the White House, that the President has a long way to go. During the campaign it was revealed through her book that First Lady Melania Trump supports the so called “right to choose.”
The rally speeches ended with JD Vance’s speech. He noted that the participants at the rally were out there in the cold and compared it to Monday’s inauguration which was moved indoors. He talked about how his 3 children brought him and his wife, Usha, indescribable joy and how the government should be helping people and young families bring more children into the world since they are our future. He wants the government to help those who may not be ready for the financial difficulties, especially those facing unplanned pregnancies. He pointed out on how the abortion on demand policy had ruined a generation of Americans (it was probably more than one generation). He also reiterated points noted by President Trump in which the past administration had unfairly punished people for just practicing their right to free speech by praying outside of abortion facilities. Vance also pointed out that President Trump just issued a strong endorsement of the Born Alive Abortion Act which would require those babies that survive botched abortions be given the care that they need.
At the rally I noticed many large contingents as, like last year, Liberty University again stood out with their bright red hats. This year I noticed a Catholic university, the University of Mary in North Dakota, which I had never really noticed before, with a large contingent. There were also large groups from Villanova, Wheaton College and Ohio State (a public university) to name a few.
At the conclusion of the rally the huge throng exited the rally site and off we went to the Supreme Court which is the traditional ending point of the March. However, as I noted above the presence of Vice President Vance required additional security. With not much guidance the best way to proceed was just to follow the crowd in front of you. As we walked along Constitution Avenue I noticed the thousands of marchers in front of us and behind us. At about the halfway point my son and I turned around and noticed the huge March for Life Banner, which typically leads the March. Apparently, with the last-minute security additions the March organizers did not anticipate any problems organizing the crowd as it exited the rally or were not totally prepared with the revised logistics. While this in no way took away from the atmosphere, it’s just something that happened. My son and I waited for the banner to pass and rejoined the parade. As usual the March ended in front of the Supreme Court where, like last year, counter-demonstrators were almost nonexistent.
Our bus was scheduled to meet us and leave from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on the Hill. As usual the local Catholic churches offered refreshments and opened their doors to all. A special thanks must be given for their generosity.
Many people ask me why I continue to attend the MFL since the Supreme Court struck down Roe vs Wade in its June 2022 decision. I emphatically tell them that we are up against a determined group of evil people who have no respect for human life whatsoever; the fact that they would advocate the killing of innocent, defenseless human beings tells the whole story. We must not let our guards down. In fact in New York State and City there is much work to be done. We must change the hearts and minds of those who are in the dark.
For over twenty years now I have been attending the annual March for Life held in Washington, DC in January to commemorate and protest the Supreme Court decision rendered in 1973 for Roe vs Wade, legalizing abortion in the USA. I have missed a couple of the Marches in that time: in 2021 the MFL was cancelled due to the pandemic and one year a blizzard resulted in local buses being cancelled. Over the years I have attended the event with many different groups and buses leaving from Queens and Brooklyn. I have attended with St. Stan’s of Maspeth, St Joseph’s of Astoria, St. Sebastian’s, Holy Family and 2 years with the bus from the Brooklyn Diocesan office.
As last year, I attended the March with a bus sponsored by Notre Dame Church in New Hyde Park since that trip was well organized. The day began with a 4:30 AM Mass celebrated by Father Stephen Rooney who was also attending the March. At about 5:20 AM the bus was loaded and ready to leave. Unlike last year, where approximately half the seats were empty mainly due a forecast which included snow, this year’s bus was filled. The trip down to Washington DC was going so well that the organizers (Father Rooney and Doctor Maryann) decided that we could schedule a stop at the National Basilica on the campus of Catholic University. It was noted that last minute speakers added to the rally included President Trump, who would speak via video conference, and newly elected Vice President JD Vance who would appear in person for his first public engagement as VP. The March for Life organizers had sent out an alert indicating that due to Vance’s presence that TSA type security measures would be instituted.
After the visit to the National Basilica the bus arrived in Washington DC with time to spare, or so we thought. The bus was unloaded and the participants met with Bishop John Barres of the Rockville Centre Diocese. We made our way to the rally but, with the extra security due to Vice President Vance’s presence, it took a while to get in. As we entered we heard the speakers. Unfortunately, the group was broken up getting through security. The speakers included Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey, Lila Rose of Live Action along with many others. One of the messages being driven home was the desire to “Defund Planned Parenthood” which takes millions of taxpayer dollars each year. As many people have heard, this was Jeanne Mancini’s last year leading the March for Life. She took over from Nellie Gray in 2012 and now she hands the baton to Jennie Bradley Lichter who also spoke at the March.
Of course, many people were waiting to hear President Trump speak. At his videotaped speech he announced pardons for the many pro-lifers who have been unjustly punished mainly for violating the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act as they peacefully prayed outside abortion facilities. These non-violent offenders have often been arrested by agents who drew their weapons as if they are apprehending violent criminals. We all know that this tactic is intended to intimidate pro-lifers. As such we thank President Trump for his actions. However, as he spoke, I couldn’t help but think that while we pro-lifers now have a president and supporter in the White House, that the President has a long way to go. During the campaign it was revealed through her book that First Lady Melania Trump supports the so called “right to choose.”
The rally speeches ended with JD Vance’s speech. He noted that the participants at the rally were out there in the cold and compared it to Monday’s inauguration which was moved indoors. He talked about how his 3 children brought him and his wife, Usha, indescribable joy and how the government should be helping people and young families bring more children into the world since they are our future. He wants the government to help those who may not be ready for the financial difficulties, especially those facing unplanned pregnancies. He pointed out on how the abortion on demand policy had ruined a generation of Americans (it was probably more than one generation). He also reiterated points noted by President Trump in which the past administration had unfairly punished people for just practicing their right to free speech by praying outside of abortion facilities. Vance also pointed out that President Trump just issued a strong endorsement of the Born Alive Abortion Act which would require those babies that survive botched abortions be given the care that they need.
At the rally I noticed many large contingents as, like last year, Liberty University again stood out with their bright red hats. This year I noticed a Catholic university, the University of Mary in North Dakota, which I had never really noticed before, with a large contingent. There were also large groups from Villanova, Wheaton College and Ohio State (a public university) to name a few.
At the conclusion of the rally the huge throng exited the rally site and off we went to the Supreme Court which is the traditional ending point of the March. However, as I noted above the presence of Vice President Vance required additional security. With not much guidance the best way to proceed was just to follow the crowd in front of you. As we walked along Constitution Avenue I noticed the thousands of marchers in front of us and behind us. At about the halfway point my son and I turned around and noticed the huge March for Life Banner, which typically leads the March. Apparently, with the last-minute security additions the March organizers did not anticipate any problems organizing the crowd as it exited the rally or were not totally prepared with the revised logistics. While this in no way took away from the atmosphere, it’s just something that happened. My son and I waited for the banner to pass and rejoined the parade. As usual the March ended in front of the Supreme Court where, like last year, counter-demonstrators were almost nonexistent.
Our bus was scheduled to meet us and leave from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on the Hill. As usual the local Catholic churches offered refreshments and opened their doors to all. A special thanks must be given for their generosity.
Many people ask me why I continue to attend the MFL since the Supreme Court struck down Roe vs Wade in its June 2022 decision. I emphatically tell them that we are up against a determined group of evil people who have no respect for human life whatsoever; the fact that they would advocate the killing of innocent, defenseless human beings tells the whole story. We must not let our guards down. In fact in New York State and City there is much work to be done. We must change the hearts and minds of those who are in the dark.
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