The presidential inauguration Monday was not the only event that drew crowds to Washington D.C. last week. Friday was the March for Life, an annual pro-life rally held in the city around the anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Roe vs. Wade.
Among the more than half-million in attendance were members of Saint Mary's Respect for Life Club, a group dedicated to promoting awareness for the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.
Senior and club president Allison Rhea said the March is an important part of the club's activities.
"The Respect for Life Club was started at Saint Mary's to provide students with the opportunity to support the pro-life movement," Rhea said. "The March for Life is of vital importance. It is a gathering of people from around the country to stand for life. As a club, the event fits well with our mission and for that reason we have many students attend each year."
This year marks Rhea's fifth time attending the rally, which she said was a powerful experience.
"I feel strongly that every person has the right to life," she said. "I attend each year to support a cause that I am passionate about. The March for Life was a great experience. It was inspiring to see so many people come out to support a cause they believe in. The event was prayerful."
Senior Silvia Cuevas said the event made her optimistic about the future of life-related issues.
"It's a powerful experience that has filled me with hope that the world will know
the importance of every life, big or small," Cuevas said. "I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to march for such a great cause."
Rhea said she and her group were proud to formally represent the College this year with a banner.
"Many of the groups bring a banner indicating where they are from to the March for Life," she said. "For the first time, Saint Mary's College Respect for Life Club took a banner to the March this year. It was exciting to have the opportunity to carry the banner and represent the club at the March."
Rhea said the massive assembly of people at the March is a strong reminder of the pro-life movement's conviction.
"It demonstrates the value of standing up for what you believe," she said.
Now back on campus, Rhea said she is looking forward to taking her experiences with the rally and applying the mission of March for Life to the club.
"The March for Life is just one way to support the sanctity of human life," she said. "In continuing to follow our mission, the club plans to continue to work with a variety of local organizations that promote life."
