CULLMAN, Ala. – Students and chaperones loaded two buses on the afternoon of Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 to travel with the Diocese of Birmingham to Washington, D.C. for the annual March for Life. The march is in its 47th year; the theme of the 2020 March, was “Life Empowers: Pro-Life is Pro-Woman.”
This year’s March was of particular significance, as President Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to address the March for Life crowds while the Democratic House trial managers were making the case for his impeachment in the U.S. Senate.
St. Bernard junior Justin Anders has attended three marches since enrolling at St. Bernard Prep and declared the March of 2020 by far the most impressive in scale and enthusiasm.
“Not only was the enormous scale of the march incredible, estimated to be around 500,000 people in attendance, but also the vigor and excitement of this year’s marchers proved to be inspiring in and of itself. For the first time in history, the president of the United States addressed the March in person and proclaimed his strong support for the dignity of the human person,” commented Anders.
Anders said during the president’s speech, he will always remember the National Mall being packed to the brim with attentive pro-life advocates. Once the actual march started, the excitement was palpable, and groups played instruments or music to show their support.
“Trump’s advocacy of the pro-life movement struck a deep note with nearly all people present, and certainly attributed towards the huge crowds and general anticipation. The attorney general himself even waved down to the March from an office window,” Anders said.
Br. Cassian Konieczny, a monk and instructor at St. Bernard, served as coordinator of the March and was joined by 11 other chaperones who led the delegation of St. Bernard students to give witness to the dignity of all human life.
