2008 National March For Life

Interim Staff

It is safe to say the 11th Annual National March for Life in Ottawa drew its largest crowd to date. Organizers counted 8,000 participants, a number confirmed by a police estimate of the march.

A quick look at the group showed that the vast majority of the participants were young adults ranging from high school to university age. Holding signs and proclaiming pro-life chants these youth were clearly on a mission: to be a voice for the unborn and restore justice for all women and men who have been hurt by abortion. Youth groups and schools were recognized by name during a roll call.

Dr. Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke on the hill and shared, “I have a dream. My dream is for peace, in the womb, in our hearts, and in our halls of government. There is only one race, the human race, and we need to start living that reality if that peace is ever going to come.”

The rally would not be complete without the presence of pro-life members of parliament. Among others, this year they included Pierre Lemieux, Tom Wappel, Paul Steckle and Paul Szabo, as well as former MP Pat O’Brien. Religious leaders who addressed the crowd included Ottawa Archbishop Terrance Prendergast and  Carl Reid, Suffragan Bishop of Central Canada in the Anglican Catholic Church of Canada. Most Rev. John Pazak of the Slovak Eparchy also led prayers at the Eternal Flame. Rev. Reynold James from Kingston led the crowd in a closing prayer and

There was also musical entertainment provided by David MacDonald and a Silent No More Awareness witness.

The events of this year were dedicated to the memory of Fr. Jim Whalen, the head of Priests for Life Canada who passed away earlier this year.

After the successful National March for Life through the streets of the nation’s capital, the Rose Dinner had to add extra tickets to accommodate the demand of 1,100. There was a video montage of past National Marches for Life playing as people found their seats, many recognizing themselves in the images playing on the screens.

Elizabeth Lemieux – eldest daughter of MP Pierre Lemieux – was the MC, handling the introductions and announcements in both official languages. Ottawa Archbishop Terrance Prendergast offered blessings and greetings. Campaign Life Coalition national president Jim Hughes, national chairperson of resolutions for the Catholic Women’s League Betty Anne Brown and Ontario state deputy of the Knights of Columbus Nat Gallo also addressed the dinner, bringing messages of support from their respective organizations. Hughes also acknowledge the pro-life MPs, calling retiring Liberal MP Tom Wappell the dean of the pro-lifers on Parliament Hill and gave him special thanks for his efforts during 20 years of public service.

Dr. Alveda King spoke, linking the battles against racism and abortion as one fight for human dignity.

The keynote speaker was Mary Ann Kuharski of ProLife Across America, who provided insight and humour in her positive presentation.

The 2009 National March for Life on May 14 will mark the 40th anniversary of the passing of the Omnibus Bill which inaugurated abortion on demand in Canada.

-With files from Theresa Matters