The 39th annual March for Life in Washington, DC was held on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012. Despite the rain it drew some 400,000 Americans from all over the country. For many it was not the first time and they are glad to make the trip, with all the sacrifices it entails, to raise their voice in protest to God for the Supreme Court’s iniquitous 1973 decision legalizing abortion in America. A small delegation of TFP-Louisiana members and friends were there too. In this picture we see the official March for Life banner that heads the march. It is being carried by students from Christendom College from Front Royal, Va.
TFP-Louisiana member Cesar Franco (far left) playing the drum in the American TFP’s Holy Guardian Angels Band during the 2012 March.
The American TFP’s band has had bagpipers for several years, but they looked extra sharp this year wearing their brand new uniforms and ostrich feather bonnets.
The American TFP’s band is one of the many attractions at the March for Life and it plays every year, no matter the weather.
Roe v. Wade reached the Supreme Court in 1970. Oral arguments were heard in December 1971. In July 1972, six months before the fateful day of Jan. 22, 1973, when the Supreme Court handed down its decision, the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima wept repeatedly in New Orleans. Need we ask why? Every year, the American TFP brings a copy of this famous statue to the March.
In this picture the replica is being carried, from left to right, by Mr. Godofredo Santos and Mr. Alvaro Zapata, two members of the American TFP. They are wearing the TFP ceremonial habit. It was raining at the time, so the statue is protected by a covering.
Another photo of the replica. The rain had stopped.
Duke Paul von Oldenburg was at the March this year, part of the delegation from the German TFP, which is honored to have him among their members. Four of Europe’s reigning dynasties belong to the Oldenburg family. The House of Oldenburg is a North German dynasty and one of Europe’s most influential Royal Houses with branches that rule or have ruled in Denmark, Russia, Greece, Norway, Schleswig, Holstein, Oldenburg and Sweden. The current Queen of Denmark, the King of Norway and the ex-King of Greece as well as consorts of Spain, Greece and the United Kingdom belong to this House. It seems that Duke Paul is the first Oldenburg prince to convert back to the Catholic Church since the Protestant Reformation.
A photo of the immense crowd. It is really comforting to see so many young people.
Mr. Carlos from Charleston, SC, carrying a cross made with little pieces of wood on which many people who could not be at the March in person wrote their names so as to be their symbolically.