Thousands march for life

Jefferson Daubitz, Assistant News Editor

On Wednesday, January 20, 35 Xavier students boarded a bus at Xavier High School en route to the March for Life in Washington, D.C. The March for Life is an annual demonstration that protests the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion in the United States. The march began as a small protest in 1974 to protest the one year anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling. The first organizers feared that January 22 would pass by like any other
day. That is why they met in the home of one of the organizers in October of 1973 to plan the first march. From there, it grew into the largest pro-life event in the world.
In 2015, the march drew in an estimated 850,000 protesters to the National Mall who believe abortion is wrong. This year, Xavier students had hoped to join in on this pro-life action. Senior Katie Neumeyer was one of these students.
“I went on March for Life because I believe it is important to stand up for the unborn,” Neumeyer said. “Everyone deserves a right to live and it is important to spread awareness.”
After traveling through the night, Xavier students arrived in Washington, D.C. around 4 in the afternoon on Thursday. Students
and chaperones traveled to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
This church is not only the largest Catholic Church in North America, but is also dedicated to the
patroness of the United States,the Blessed Virgin Mary. Students were given the opportunity to
explore the church and to shop at the gift shop.
“My favorite part is how there are different rooms dedicated to special Catholics from different states,” junior Eryn Kirby said. “Every time I visit, there’s something new to discover.”
After spending time at the basilica, students made their way back to their hotel. Once the
students had the opportunity to shower and rest, they walked to Union Station to get dinner before embarking on a night tour of the National Mall.
During their eight mile trek through the district, many students took the opportunity to take pictures and capture memories with their friends. After their journey, they went back to the hotel to sleep before the march and youth rally on Friday.
Students met in the hotel lobby at 6:00 a.m. and
boarded the bus, bound for the youth rally at the D.C. Armory. Here, students were given the
opportunity to go to reconciliation, listen to music, and spend time with friends and other Catholic teenagers from across America. Students also prayed a Rosary for life during the rally.
Xavier students were then told that due to the impending blizzard, they would have to head
back to Cedar Rapids early. Although this came as a disappointment to many students, they understood the reason behind the decision.
They made their way back to the buses. Although they were not able to march this year, students will be able to make the trip again in 2017. Even graduating seniors are looking forward to being able to participate in the future.
Neumeyer said, “I hope to go on March for Life again some time in college.”