What Propels People To March?
What propels people to March?
By Claire Burroughs
Winter storm. Freezing temperatures. Nothing deterred the pilgrims who attended March For Life 2024, a peaceful rally for the dignity of human life held in Washington D.C. every year in January since 1973. Thousands of people showed up from all over the country. Groups driving from the north had to pass through winter storms in South Jersey, Philadelphia, and Delaware, and groups from as far as Miami to the south and everyone who flew to the area had to start the journey days before.
Despite the snow people warmed hearts with creative signs & banners. Some with serious messages that read "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves" or a quote by Mother Theresa: "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." Others have more creative messages that read: "You wouldn't rip up a developing polaroid." in reference to a human in the earliest stage of development. Or a banner that says, "Former fetuses for Life."
People have been marching and protesting for as long as we can remember. In the past few months, we've seen thousands from all over the world from Norway to Japan, Scotland to South Africa stand up for a ceasefire in Gaza and a free Palestine. People march for change, stand up against oppression and inequality, for peace and a better life for everyone. People are propelled by their love, passion, and care for humanity as a whole. In spite of the seeming negativity all around us, our humanity still unites us. Love propels people to the streets, to protest and stand up for a people or group they have never met, for those who have no voice and are the most vulnerable in our society.
Marches have brought people together from all walks of life, races, ages, and economic backgrounds for a goal, for human rights and freedom. It has proven effective, people show up to make a difference and yes it does make a difference. Sometimes it takes time for legislation to be passed and policies amended but people who are relentless in the pursuit of their goals eventually achieve it. As Helen Keller puts it, "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."
