Right-to-Life March, January 22, 2008

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I had the amazing experience of attending the annual Right-to-Life March this week in Washington, DC. I was able to take along two of my children, Madeline (13) and Luke (11), as well as a nephew and a long time friend Mark Steckler. The day for us started on Tuesday with 25,000 people participating in a Youth Rally and Catholic Mass in the Verizon Center. We were able meet up with the group of (74) students and adults from Washington Catholic that morning.

I was deeply touched by the level of prayerfulness and peacefulness that we all experienced with 2 hours of music and a 2 hour Mass. If the events of the day had ended with this event alone it would have been worth the trip!

After sharing some lunch with the Washington Catholic group, we paraded through town and out to The Mall to listen to some speeches while waiting for the March at 2:00 pm. I didn’t see any reports on the estimated attendance, but based on the 25,000 that were in the Verizon Center, I’m sure there were over 100,000 in The Mall and at the March. Once again, the over all message of the speakers was how important it is for all of us in the Pro-Life movement to continue to pray for our elected leaders and judges and that real changes can keep happening when we change peoples’ hearts.

The March past the Capitol and Supreme Court was the culmination of the day. We stopped and said a prayer. It had been cloudy and a little rainy throughout the day. As we were leaving the downtown area the sun peaked out and a rainbow appeared over the city and one end of it looked as though it was touching The Mall in the area of the White House. I think God was trying to tell all of us that day that He was pleased! We can’t give up.

Right to Life issue

On January 28th, 2008 Anonymous said:

Mark,

I can't wait to hear more of the details from your trip to Washington for the Right-to-Life March. As we have discussed before, my daughter has Down Syndrome. We had a blood screen come back early in the pregnancy indicating she may be at a elevated risk for Down Syndrome. We decided to go to Kosair Children's Hospital in Louisville to have a comprehensive ultrasound done.

The reason we choose this was to see if their were any problems that could be worked on while she was still in the womb. We had already decided that we would not do the Amiosynthesis because we were told it a 1 out of a 150 rate of miscarriage. The doctor told us that it was still early enough in the pregnancy we could abort the baby if we choose to. I got mad and my wife started crying. Regardless of what was wrong we were going to give our child a chance and let God's will decide her fate. We have the most beautiful and loving daughter one could ever have. Eli (Elizabeth) is now 3 and brings nothing but joy to everyone's life she touches. She will be having Heart Surgery this Spring/Summer. I attached a few of my favorite pictures of her. I wish you well on your campaign. If your message saves the life of one baby, it is well worth your time and effort.

Good luck,
Dan Johnson