Pro-Lifers Across America Stand Together for Life.

Buoyed by the inauguration of a pro-life president, thousands of right to lifers across the nation commemorated the 28th anniversary of legal abortion in America with new hope and determination that unborn babies will be "welcomed in life and protected in law."

These words from President George W. Bush cheered the hearts of pro-lifers who have waited eight years for a president who respects life. This new promise on the national scene encourages those on the state and local level in their fight to pass pro-life legislation and educate their neighbors about the worth of all people, born and unborn.

"Today, we have a president who understands that killing a human being is wrong," Ken Wilson, Oregon Right to Life president, told the hundreds of enthusiastic pro-lifers who attended a rally at the capitol in Salem January 21. Oregonians in other cities also held events such as a Walk for Life and baby shower in Douglas County the same day.

In neighboring Washington state, close to 4,000 people marched for life in Olympia January 18. Arriving right on time to participate in the rally, four men walked from Seattle to Olympia on a four-day "Pro-Life Hike" to show support for the sanctity of all life.

These commemorative events are proof that pro-lifers are fighting hard for the lives of unborn babies, never backing down even during the long years of the Clinton Administration. "It's worth noting that after 28 years there are still thousands of pro- lifers who some to the Capitol," said Jackie Schweitz, executive director of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, said at the March for Life January 22 in St. Paul. "That's how faithful the pro-life people are."

Over 7,000 right to lifers, as well as St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman, 65 legislators, and Archbishop Harry Flynn, joined Schweitz at the rally and march around the capitol building.

Many events combined demonstrations with prayers and assistance for those facing crisis pregnancies. At Maine's Hands Around the Capitol rally in Augusta January 20, participants were asked to help the state's crisis pregnancy centers by bringing baby items and financial donations in a program called "Arms Around Moms." Hundreds braved cold temperatures for the annual event.