by Kathi Stearns

As a bugler sounded taps to honor the dead, 10,000 foot soldiers silently returned to the field of battle.

They knew their fight would not be lost or won on this day. But they wanted both their opponents and government officials to witness the strength and unity of their position on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion.

Catholics joined thousands of pro-life demonstrators from many denominations and walks of life in a silent march which began and ended at the Georgia State Capitol Jan. 22.

Archbishop John F. Donoghue, one of the speakers at a rally before the march, reminded participants of the continuing need to defend the sanctity of life.

“But today’s anniversary, the anniversary of the Roe versus Wade decision, is an anniversary of infamy, a day to remember the birth of legalized death in the United States of America, and a recurring reminder that in our current society, we have to be ready to defend the moral imperative of the sanctity of life, putting our peace aside, and confronting the forces that are lined up against us,” he said. He was interrupted by applause numerous times during his speech.

Archbishop Donoghue explained to the crowd that the anti-abortion battle and any victory won belonged to the Lord. “It is no small enemy we face in the fight for life. But just as David put his faith in God and went forth to slay the giant Goliath, let us also put our faith in God, as we meet the enemy ...,” he said.

A block away 11 abortion-rights demonstrators on Martin Luther King Jr., Drive screamed invectives.

March participants were diverse in age, race and faith, but united in belief and purpose.

Throughout the one-mile march, heads were bowed in silent prayer and meditation. Participants carried signs reading “I Support Life,” “Adoption - The Loving Option,” and “Abortion Is Murder.” Children carried signs stating, “I’m A Child Not A Choice,” “Abortion Kills Children,” and “The Only Choice Is God’s Choice.” One child carried a sign that read “I Was Adopted, Not Aborted.”

For one adopted youth the march had special meaning. Lynn Teddlie, a senior at St. Pius High School, is thankful that her biological parents put her up for adoption. “My faith brought me here. I want people to have the same chance for life that my parents gave me,” she explained.

For others the march was an opportunity to give witness to their Catholic faith. “There are many evils in the world today and we need to start standing up for what is right and wrong,” Donna Rumps of Holy Family parish, Marietta, explained.

Some saw the march as a chance to demonstrate the strength and foundation of their Catholic faith against the evils of society so evident to youth and young adults. “I came to show my support. It is time people realize the younger generation is not going to be fooled by society and the media. We realize what the truth is,” said Jean Lawrence of All Saints in Dunwoody.

Young adults present felt that the fight would not lose energy or numbers at it continues. “Abortion is a product of the baby-boomer generation. They are the only generation that abandoned their children and continue to abandon their parents,” Martin Delmazo of St. Andrews in Roswell said. “We intend to show everyone that we won’t let this become a norm for our generation.”

Families took an active role in the march. Bridget Joyce, 17, has attended the walk for the past 10 years with her family. “It is reassuring and comforting to see aunts, uncles, grandparents, moms, dads and children all participating in the walk. You have to walk it and believe in it, not just talk about it,” said Ms. Joyce, a parishioner from St. Jude’s in Sandy Springs.

For a Georgia Tech fraternity it was time to put their Christian beliefs into action. Twenty-two members of Theta XI, a Christian fraternity, served as marshals and walkers during the march. Members wore their fraternity shirts and black arm bands.

“We believe that each person has a spirit at the time of conception, and we need to do everything we can to make sure the unborn are not robbed of life and the opportunity to know and love Christ,” said Brian Lutmer, a parishioner at Sacred Heart in Atlanta and service chairman for Theta XI.

Frustration with the Clinton administration’s attempt to include abortion in the health care plan was evident throughout the march. Stop-sign posters contained the slogan “Stop Clinton’s Health Care Plan.” T-shirts were sold that read “Clintonochio -- When will he stop lying?” One participant held a Bible and had a sign draped around his neck exclaiming, “Clinton Can You Read?”

While the participants mourned the death of unborn children, they sent a message to their government officials. “We want to show our government that we don’t agree with their health care plan. It is important that they see that we are united and have the strength to fight for the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. We must defend the child so that he will have the right to defend himself and give the world a chance to see and hear the person he will become,” Sonia Jarimillo of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Atlanta, explained.

Postcards were distributed at the march and at Masses Sunday demanding abortion be removed from the health care plan.

Participants appeared ready to continue financial, physical and spiritual support as long as it was needed.

One young boy, who had ridden in a red wagon as his parents marched, asked his father “Can we do this again?” The father nodded slowly and responded, “We’ll probably have to be here many times in the years to come.”