By: James Cullen ’20

“We cannot know what our citizens, yet unborn, will achieve, the dreams they will imagine, the masterpieces they will create, the discoveries they will make. But we know this: Every life brings love into this world. Every child brings joy to a family. Every person is worth protecting.”

These historic words were delivered by President Trump at the forty-seventh annual March for Life on Friday, January 24—making him the first president in history to appear at the event. Approximately one hundred members of Chaminade’s Catholics for Life club drove down to Washington, D.C. to participate in this inspiring demonstration of the power of the pro-life movement with moderators Mr. Michael Strandberg ’09, Mr. Benjamin Volpe, and Bro. Patrick Sarsfield, S.M. ’86

The March for Life began in 1974 in staunch opposition to the decision of Roe v. Wade which legalized abortion across the United States. Nellie Gray, the founder of the March, began this event in the National Mall with a sizable gathering of twenty thousand Americans. The congregation of pro-life advocates then marched on towards the nation’s Supreme Court building in solidarity against the practice of abortion. Every year since, these men, women, and children reunite to once again spread this message of life and respect of the unborn. 

Upon arrival in the nation’s capital, Flyers were each given crimson and gold scarves as a symbol of school pride and unity. As the men marched, the neckwear served as a testament to what Chaminade stands for as a school. The group’s solidarity perfectly exemplified the school’s motto, Fortes in Unitate, which means, “strength in unity.” 

Some students who attended the march expressed the profound impact of attending an event of such size and strength. Matt Moskowski ‘23 explained, “It was wonderful to see that so many people share the beliefs that we discuss every Monday at our club meetings and are willing to travel from places all across the country to voice their support for the voiceless.” 

This event offers young students the ability to not only get to know each other better, but also to better understand their beliefs. Blaise Vastola ’21 remarked, “It was such a phenomenal experience; I was truly enamored. It’s so amazing to see all these young people propelling the pro life movement of this new generation.” Students see the march as a symbol of a new generation: a pro-life group that is seemingly growing by the day. 

President Trump ended his speech by saying, “Together we will defend this truth all across our magnificent land. We will set free the dreams of our people and with determined hope, we look forward to all of the blessings that will come from the beauty, talent, purpose, nobility, and grace of every American child.”

This event was more than just a field trip—it was a time for students to raise awareness of a reprehensible practice. Students from different grades of the school jumped at the opportunity to save lives and exert a positive influence on the world. Chaminade High School’s motto highlights the importance of strength in unity. By standing united against the atrocity of abortion, the students of Chaminade lived out their school’s mission to its fullest extent.