Every year since the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, people have gathered in our nation's capitol to offer silent protest against that decision, and discuss that, and other Respect Life issues with our elected representatives. This year two parishioners from Sacred Heart joined tens of thousands of others in the March. These photos show a small portion of a very busy day.

In addition to the local parish representatives, there were several people from surrounding parishes waiting at Sacred Heart for the bus to take them to Washington. A cold night, with the prospect of a cold day during the March. On the bus and on the way to Washington at 1:00 AM Thursday.

Always an imposing sight, the Capitol building in Washington, where our elected representatives wrestle with the pressing concerns of the day. The March will proceed past here later in the day.

And the Supreme Court building, where the March will end the day.

The first activity of the day is held in the Congressional Auditorium, Capitol Visitors Center. This is the line to attend the 15th Annual National Memorial For The Pre-born, And Their Mothers And Fathers. This prayer service was lead by Pastor Luke J. Robinson, pastor of the Quinn Chapel, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Frederick, MD, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, Catholic Archbishop of Denver, CO, and Timothy W. Whitaker, bishop for the Florida Conference of the Methodist Church. This is the only pro-life prayer service convened on the US capitol complex. A long line waits for the doors to be opened in the morning.

After the Prayer Service, there was an opportunity to visit with our congressman, Rep. Christopher Murphy. Waiting outside the office for the appointment time to come around.

During the meeting with Rep. Murphy's staff member, several constitutents voiced their concern about the poor record of many in Washington around Life issues.

There was not a lot of time between events, in a tightly scheduled day. After the visit with Rep. Murphy's staff, it was off to St. Peter's church (Parish Church for the Capitol) to attend a Mass celebrated by the bishop of Springfield, IL. Many of those attending were young people from his diocese.

And then, back to the Hart Senate Office Building for a meeting with representatives of Sens. Dodd and Lieberman. The room was packed to overflowing with people listening to Bill O'Brien president of the Connecticut Right To Life Committee, present forcefully and effectively the position on many life issues.

The office space for our elected representatives is truely impressive. But, just in case one of those who represent us should happen to find themselves mixing with those they represent, there is hope for them. In case you can't read the sign, it says "This elevator is reserved for SENATORS ONLY at all times".

And the rush is on to make it to the Mall in time for the March to begin. The Capitol building was still decorated for the events surrounding the inauguration of President Obama only two days earlier. With flags, bunting and seats still in place, there is not time enough to clean up from one event before another starts.

And still the crowd gathers. It would be impossible to estimate the number of people attending the March, but this was the largest March in a number of years.

People everywhere. People with signs. People without signs. Young people. And people not so young. All sizes and religious affiliations.

Signs with quotes from the Declaration of Independence.

Simple signs that seem to say it all in a few words.

Signs of hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.

Signs that remind those in authority that what they say may come back to haunt them.

A part of the large contingent from Hartford Diocese. This group is lead by the sisters from the Franciscan Life Center.

Another part of the Hartford Diocese group.

Some of the signs along the March route were quite interesting, and thought provoking.

A display along the sidewalk showing the progress a baby makes as it grows in it's mother's womb.

As I said, some of the signs were quite interesting. Shouldn't that be "heretical", not "heretic"? Oh well, perhaps not. A small point.

Looking forward during the March, people as far as one can see.

And looking back, the same impression.

The March passes the Supreme Court building, reminding the justices that not everyone agrees with their decision to allow abortion on demand.

Back at St. Peter's church, hot drinks, cookies, donuts all around. It was a very cold, windy day, and the hot food and friendship were welcome. Now on to the bus, and home by about 2:00 AM Friday.