Caldwell College Group Marches for Life in Washington D.C.

January 28, 2011 - Caldwell College students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends were among the hundreds of thousands of young and old from across the United States who attended the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. on Monday January 24th.

With sunny skies and temps in the mid 30’s, the Caldwell group joined pro-lifers who filled the National Mall and lined the sidewalks for the pre-march rally and then marched up Constitution Avenue to the steps of the Supreme Court to witness for the unborn and the sanctity of life.

Freshman Melissa Brady of West Orange, New Jersey who was on her first March for Life trip, said it was an amazing experience. “I thought it was great to see so many faith-filled people gathered together in Washington, D.C. to fight for the lives of the unborn in a peaceful way. It was extremely inspiring, and I feel that many other people throughout the world should approach their problems in the same way—peacefully.”

Freshman Tibi Mathew of Rochelle Park, NJ said that going to the pre-march rally and hearing women and men witness with their stories about regretting their own abortion experiences in order to help others was a “real eye opener.”

For Lindsay Hulin, a freshman, from Lake Hiawatha, NJ the March for Life was life-changing. “I have always been pro-life, but I never really thought anyone else was. Seeing the immeasurable amount of people, especially those who were younger like me, was a source of inspiration. Since the March for Life, I am even more proud to define myself as a pro-life supporter and be a part of such a wonderful ministry.”

After the March, some students attended a pro-life youth rally sponsored by Students for Life of America, 40 Days for Life, Rock for Life, and Human Life Alliance. The students were very excited to get the chance to see the award-winning Christian Rock Band, Barlow Girl. The rally also featured talks by pro-life leaders including Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood director; Kristan Hawkins, Executive Director, Students for Life of America; and Jason Jones, one of the producers of the award-winning movie, Bella, a film that the Caldwell group watched on the bus ride home.

For many students the trip was a good opportunity to spend time with friends before semester classes began. Sarah Sledgeski of Vernon, NJ was on her third March for Life trip. “The best part of the March for Life experience for me was to be able to experience the March with two of my closest friends, who have the same views on abortion as I do.”

It is estimated that this year’s March equaled or surpassed in numbers the 400,000 who attended last year’s. For the students it was energizing to be with so many other young people who care deeply about standing up for the dignity of life.

“Seeing people who had come from all over the country unite together for something they all believed in really was a beautiful sight. Witnessing this really made me believe that we are the generation that is going to persevere and, in the words of Gandhi, be the change we want to see in the world,” said Hulin.