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 many parishioners from the Waterbury area joined tens of thousands of others in the March for Life. Many activities were planned as part of a busy day, including opportunities to visit the offices of Rep. Murphy and Senator Blumenthal, Mass at various locations, and the rally and March. The weather forecast was not very promising. Cold and windy. But a stout heart and layers of warm clothes prevailed. These photos show a small portion of a very busy day.

Groups of all sizes and backgrounds came together in defense of life. This picture, taken near the speakers platform, has signs from the Jewish Pro Life Foundation as well as a banner from UCONN, and a variety of other signs.

Defend Life. That doesn't seem like a lot to ask of our leaders in Congress.

Youth groups from around the country held separate rallies, joining the March as it stepped off. This group was sponsored by the Jesuits.

The start of the march is led by a group from Missouri carrying the banner. What you see here is not the main group of people from the rally, but people lined up along the street, ready to join the March.

The crush of people is difficult to describe.

Another of the diverse groups attending, Anglicans For Life. It is impossible to believe that this is strictly a "Catholic" concern when so many others of differing faith, or no faith, are all protesting the same thing.

Up the avenue, toward the capitol, past buildings that house the workings of our government.

Looking toward the back, the March stretches as far as we can see. And there are still more waiting for their opportunity to join. The March itself is about a mile in length, and it takes over an hour for all the marchers to pass.

"Equal Justice Under Law" is written on the pediment of the Supreme Court Building. Equal Justice For Everyone, say the signs, banners, and prayers of tens of thousands of marchers.