Schools

Ireton students have the March for Life experience

Steven Rowen | Student Correspondent

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people travel from across the world and brave the frigid January weather to stand up for a cause they believe in. They all band together and march to protest the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling that made abortion legal. Since 1974, there has been an annual March for Life in January in Washington. Pro-lifers plan to continue participating in the march every year until Roe v. Wade is overturned.

There is usually a rally the day before the march. The following morning, there is another rally with Mass, which leads up to the march.

Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria annually supports the march and hundreds of Ireton students participate, including senior Natalie Ledesma. She recalled her previous experience at the march and said, “I went (to) the March for Life when I was in the seventh grade and my experience was an unforgettable and rewarding one. I had never seen so many people gathered together fighting for the same goal. I was proud to be a part of that goal to speak for life.”

The leader of the pro-life club, Sofi Driscoll, said that the march has many serious moments, but the experience is also filled with fun. “The March for Life is a really positive atmosphere because many people from all different walks of life are all advocating for a common cause they all believe in, it’s a really beautiful thing,” she said.

Father Edward J. Bresnahan, Ireton chaplain, described the march as a peaceful protest against abortion that consists of thousands of diverse people who believe the end to abortion is not only possible, but probable. “The March for Life is a powerful way to provide a voice for the voiceless. It is an opportunity to defend those who are most vulnerable in society,” said Father Bresnahan. He also said that protecting the dignity of human life at the beginning of life is the key that can solve many other problems in society.

Attenders often speak about how united they felt with all the other people working toward the same goal. Ireton welcomes and encourages everyone in the school community, including students, faculty, parents and alumni to join them at future March for Life events to support the dignity, respect and preservation of human life at all stages.

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