thousands gather for Washington march for life commemorating Roe v Wade

Net Abbey home page President Bush's comments

At least 15,000 or more people showed up in Washington today, Jan 22, 2004, to commemorate Roe V Wade (31st anniversary). After a rally, they marched to the Supreme Court building. There, President Bush addressed the crowd who applauded him often, recounting some of the pro-life accomplishments of his administration, including signing the Born Alive Infants Protection Act, that protects newborns who survive botched abortion attempts, signing the partial-birth abortion ban, and making sure taxpayer funds don't go to groups that perform or promote abortions in other countries.

"We must continue with civility and respect to remind our fellow citizens that all life is sacred and worthy of protection," Bush said. "I know as you return to your communities you will redouble your efforts to change hearts and minds, one person at a time. And this is the way we will build a lasting culture of life, a compassionate society in which every child is born into a loving family and protected by law."

Several legislators spoke at the rally before the march including Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) and Reps. Christopher H. Smith (R-New Jersey), W. Todd Akin (R-Missour), Todd Tiahart (R-KS), Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Jim Ryun (R-KS), Melissa Hart (R-Pennsylvania), Mike Pence (R-Indiana), Ron Lewis (R-New York), Roscoe Bartlett (R-Maryland), Rick Renzi (R-Arizona), Steve King (R-Iowa), Thaddeus G. McCotter (R-Michigan), Michael C. Burgess (R-Texas), and Patrick J. Toomey (R-PA).

The crowd included many young people from all parts of the country. Some born after Roe v Wade was promulgated.

"It's a hypocrasy," said one teenager, "to protect animals but not protect an unborn child".

One legislator pointed out that we have laws to protect turtle eggs from being destroyed but nothing to protect human beings in the womb.

A vigil Mass for life at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception was attended by 8000 people from all over the country. There were also some 500 priests and Bishops in attendance.

It's interesting that outside of Fox News, there is no mention of this large gathering on any of the news services.

But in watching the coverage by EWTN, I was impressed that many prolifers are aware of what Bush has done for the pro life movement and are strongly behind him and his administration. That was one of the most hopeful things I saw.