Guest Blog post by Julia Johnson
Senior, Shanley High School, Fargo, North Dakota
Each year that I go on the March for Life, a hunger for righteousness grows stronger in my heart. I have never been part of a more noble cause than the fight for life. I have been privileged to go on the March for Life with my fellow students three years in a row, this year being my fourth, and I can barely contain my excitement! My very own high school, Shanley High, was chosen to carry the lead banner. When our chaplain told us the news I was in shock, what an incredible HONOR! To lead the charge in the fight for life is almost unthinkable; with humble hearts I can only say that we all feel truly blessed to have this opportunity.
In past years, the most students that I have made the pilgrimage with has never exceeded 140 students. But this year, it is our goal to become the first high school in March for Life history to bring our entire student body! We have over 300 students! I’m ecstatic to see the enthusiasm and excitement grow in anticipation of the March. The March for Life has been one of the biggest impacts on my life, and I want as many people as possible to have the same opportunity to see what I see every January.
When walking down Constitution Avenue there is the biggest form of camaraderie between you and every single person in the March. You’re a team, one large family, and all are present for the same purpose. It doesn’t matter what religion, race, or age you are, you’re all there to reach a common goal. I have never experienced this feeling on such a massive scale before, and reminiscing on my very first March, it was the most overwhelmingly and joyous feeling I’ve ever experienced. But it instilled a drive in me to return every year since.
Some of my most favorite memories have been made on the March, you never fully know what you are going to experience. Every year is unique. But certain things never get old, such as the thrill of running up the steps to the Lincoln Memorial, going to the Smithsonian museums, and of course singing and praying your hearts out to protect the lives of the unborn. No matter how many times you go, the March for Life pilgrimage is worth it. My fellow students and I are able to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. We are able to be a voice for the voiceless.
