Tarmac Online

By Christopher Geitner ‘27 and Aidan McGirr ‘28 

Every year, as a Chaminade tradition, students make a pilgrimage to the National March for Life in Washington, D.C. The March itself has been going on for over 50 years, and Chaminade has attended almost every year since the early 1980’s. While the route has changed since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, the focus has remained the same: to win over hearts and minds and to make abortion not only illegal but unthinkable. The strong turnout has stayed consistent with tens of thousands of people attending, and more joining each year. 

This Year’s March 

Expectations ran high following the success of last year’s March for Life, which saw tens (if not hundreds) of thousands head to Washington, eager to show their support to the new leadership in congress and the White House . Under the cover of darkness, the bus departed for

Washington at 6:00 AM, making good time and arriving about an hour ahead of schedule. As with other years, this years’ March boasted impressive speakers, including Vice President of the United States, J.D. Vance, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, Representative Chris Smith from New Jersey, other figures hoping to support the cause by passing legislation, as well as others connected to the cause such as activists and individuals who “switched sides” to support the pro-life cause. The pre-March rally always helps to show how the movement is being addressed through legislation, and seeing federal office holders is always a favorite part for those who attend. 

Chaminade took a bus of about 30 students, consisting of all four divisions, including a good amount of freshmen to the March. The March for Life serves as a fantastic example of “living out our faith”, and seeing so many high school and college students shows the growth of the movement to younger individuals. The March for Life, despite boasting high turnout, does maintain a civil attitude with prayer, psalm, and song being sung in unity. The March can be categorized as a religious event, however it is also a civil and political one. While multiple

denominations of Christians were seen, as well as other religious and non-religious individuals, The March brings in a broad coalition motivated by the dignity of human life. 

While known for its anti-abortion message, the March serves as a movement to promote the dignity of human life in all stages. On one hand, there were indeed many signs and banners for anti-abortion, which was seen as a main theme. However, simple signs promoting the pro-life movement served as key ideas. People showed specific enthusiasm towards siding with various large pro-life organizations, such as The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property as well as Students for Life. Furthermore, the March was seen as a testament to the amount of groups that came together to support a common cause while transcending boundaries. This was particularly seen across Christian denominations such as Lutherans, Anglicans, Catholics, and more, coming together despite their differences. 

Hezekiah Ozdemir ‘29 remarks on the atmosphere of this event, “the March for Life exceeded expectations with the culture surrounding the March with banners and reverence.” Hezekiah also says, “Seeing the truths of abortion and the people who fight it, revealed to me the

core of the Pro Life movement.” These statements truly project how the first hand experience shaped the idea of the March in the eyes of a first time Chaminade marcher. The March was an event both powerful and inspiring. 

Dr. Strandberg ‘09 noted how, “The March” has one voice of prayer and speaks in uniform. Given the large gathering, it is amazing to have this show of common support. This once again is a testament to the unity that the March for Life encapsulates, one of the best aspects of the March and a main differentiation from other demonstrations. 

Even though the March for Life is no longer about taking the abortion issue out of the hands of the federal Supreme Court, it continues strong after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. What is most important now is the fight that is happening in individual states. Each state needs conversion to have a country that is pro-life and does not allow abortion. Thirteen states have already passed total abortion bans. Now it is time for more to follow in their footsteps. This is precisely why the March still exists, to uphold basic human rights, and fully change the country

for the better. Bro. Stephen Balletta, S.M. ‘74, states that it is vital to write to legislators, pray, and show support for the pro-life movement. In addition to opposing the practice of abortion, it is also important to support life. As Dr. Strandberg notes, Chaminade is showing its commitment to the life cause by supporting mothers in unplanned pregnancies through schoolwide events such as the baby bottle and diaper drive. When engaging in a conversation about any issue relating to life, it is important to be respectful in conversations and debates, because the essence of the movement is to change hearts and make abortion unthinkable. These words embody what everyone should look to do going forward in order to continue upholding the noble cause of saving lives and transforming spirits.