DBQ Walk for Life 2007

As I said the other day in my post about events this weekend marking the anniversary of that infamnia in 1973 when the US Supreme Court legalized abortion nationwide, 1 of the events scheduled was the 22nd DBQ Walk for Life put on by DBQ Co. Right to Life. Here is my report on what happenned.

The Walk began with a rally at the gazebo in Washington Square in downtown DBQ. It was very cold but sunny as everyone gathered for the start of the event at 10:30 am. It looked to me like there were about 150-200 people of all ages gathered there.

We were welcomed by Steve Fuerst who had orginized this year's event. It naturally began with prayer. Then Mr. Fuerst explained why we were there. "We want to voice our opinions, to speak up for the children who don't have a voice," he said. "We want to make whatever effect we can make locally."

The 1st speaker was the president of Wahlert Catholic High School's Respect Life Club Amanda Carew. She spoke about how important it was to keep speaking up even though it seems we aren't being listenned to. "We stand here with one influential message and many resilient voices." She also spoke of the negative physical & emotional effects that abortion has on those involved.

Another speaker was Fr. James Parker, Parochial Administrator of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, E. DBQ, IL. "Everyone has to get it back into their minds and into their hearts the value of life," said Fr. Parker. "Life that is so valuable that our Lord Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross." He also spoke out about how Sen Harkin, Sen Obama & any other politician who supports abortion "has no business governing." He also called to task those judges who supported abortion as well as any ministers who claimed to be Christian & were pro-abortion.

After the speakers finished, posters with pro-life messages were handed out. Lead by members of the Mime for Life group & the KCs everyone began the walk toward the DBQ Co. Courthouse. Those who wanted to gathered at the back of the march & were lead by Fr. Parker in praying The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy. After arriving at the courthouse the walk continued on to the Knights of Columbus Hall. There those who wanted to could enjoy a chili luncheon put on by the Loras College Right to Life group to raise money to send members to the DC March for Life.