Citing safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic and pressures facing law enforcement officers in and around the U.S. Capitol, organizers of the 2021 March for Life have moved the Jan. 29 event to a virtual format.
A statement posted at marchforlife.org asks participants to stay home this year and join the march virtually. The announcement came shortly after the National Park Service announced it is closing the National Mall through Inauguration Day (Jan. 20) because of security concerns following riots at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
The March for Life statement reads:
The protection of all of those who participate in the annual March, as well as the many law enforcement personnel and others who work tirelessly each year to ensure a safe and peaceful event, is a top priority of the March for Life. In light of the fact that we are in the midst of a pandemic which may be peaking, and in view of the heightened pressures that law enforcement officers and others are currently facing in and around the Capitol, this year’s March for Life will look different.
The annual rally will take place virtually and we are asking all participants to stay home and to join the March virtually. We will invite a small group of pro-life leaders from across the country to march in Washington, DC this year. These leaders will represent pro-life Americans everywhere who, each in their own unique ways, work to make abortion unthinkable and build a culture where every human life is valued and protected.
We are profoundly grateful for the countless women, men, and families who sacrifice to come out in such great numbers each year as a witness for life – and we look forward to being together in person next year. As for this year’s march, we look forward to being with you virtually.
Small in-person presence
A small group of pro-life leaders will gather to march in Washington, according to march organizers. Previously announced speakers for the event include Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear, former NFL football players Tim Tebow and Benjamin Watson, and Focus on the Family President Jim Daly.
An RSVP page for virtual participation is set up at https://marchforlife.org/2021-virtual-events/.
“These leaders will represent pro-life Americans everywhere who, each in their own unique ways, work to make abortion unthinkable and build a culture where every human life is valued and protected,” the statement said.
March for Life will also air the Virtual Rose Dinner Gala featuring Tebow as the keynote speaker at 7 p.m. on January 29th. More information on the dinner and registration for the virtual event is available at: https://marchforlife.org/annual-rose-dinner/.
The March for Life has taken place in Washington on or near Jan. 22 since 1974, one year after the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion in the U.S.
Read more about this year’s planned lineup of speakers by clicking here.
National Sanctity of Human Life Day
The White House issued a proclamation on Jan. 18 declaring Jan. 22 as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. Click here to read more about the presidential proclamation.
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