Thousands of people, hundreds of signs and millions of prayers were all gathered in the capital of the country. Yet there was only one plea – the wish for the government to respect all life. On Jan. 25, juniors Moira Quinn and Allison Crank marched along the National Mall in Washington D.C..
Crank’s youth minister encouraged her to attend, and decided the March for Life was a way to become involved in her faith.
“I wanted to go and actively take part in my Catholic faith and stand up for something I believe in,” Crank said.
Quinn decided to make the pilgrimage simply because she has always wanted to attend.
“I have always wanted to go to the march and this year the timing seemed right,” Quinn said. “And when I asked my mom, she said I could go.”
Despite the long journey to the capital and freezing weather, both girls felt the trip was worth the drive.
“March for Life was absolutely amazing,” Crank said. “We had to get there by bus which took 24 hours. But despite the bus ride, it was a truly unforgettable experience.”
Crank and Quinn said the march was not just memorable because of the walk to Capitol Hill, but because of all the people they met and inspiring speakers they witnessed.
“There was a rally before with many important speakers, including Rick Santorum, various church leaders, organizers of the March, government officials and women who regretted getting abortions,” Crank said. “They all were so influential.”
Quinn was most impacted by one speaker in particular. He was a man whose mother was a victim of assault and rape, and as a result conceived him. He spoke about how people should not use abortion in cases like his, but turn to adoption instead.
“The most life changing moment was when I heard a speaker give a talk in the pre-march rally,” Quinn said. “the man said there was once a president who changed his view about injustice due to the words of a rape victim: Abraham Lincoln by Frederick Douglas. He hopes to be the rape victim that offers words that can inspire another president to change his view. Obama.”
With the National Mall packed with over 650,000 people, the most people to ever attend the March for Life, and a series of videos advocating life and adoption, the actual march from the Washington Monument to the Capitol began.
“People were yelling out pro-life chants and holding up various signs,” Crank said. “I was expecting to see some pro-choice people protesting against us, but I didn’t.”
Crank said being among thousands of other pro-life people was inspiring. And surprisingly she encountered many fellow Kansans and young people, which gave Crank great hope.
“Many speakers pointed out that our generation is the ‘pro-life generation’ which really impacted me,” Crank said. “It gives me hope for the future, that someday our country will become a pro-life nation.”
Although she experienced many specific events that struck her, Crank said what she loved the most was the atmosphere in general.
“It was really awesome to see so many people, not only Catholics but people of various faiths, come together to defend life,” Crank said.
The March for Life inspired Crank to do more to advocate for life.The March also inspired Quinn in a unique way.
“I was inspired not necessarily to make abortion illegal. I was inspired to change the hearts of people. Similar to gun bans, even if abortion is made illegal, that does not mean people will obey the laws. There are laws that constrict speed limits, yet people still break those laws every day,” Quinn said. “It is only through enlightening people about the evils of abortion and by promoting a culture of life that lives can truly be saved.”