Courtesy of Molly Reineke

Followed by thousands of other marchers, junior Emily Weaver and sophomore Molly Reinecke smile with their youth group as they participate in March for Life 2019. The march followed speakers and activists from across the country all expressing support for the cause. “There was definitely a lot adrenaline throughout the march because everybody there was so passionate,” Reinecke said.

Following political tension during the government shut down and freezing temperatures, Washington, D.C. wouldn’t seem like the place to be Jan. 18. However, despite seeming obstacles, the wide streets of Washington D.C. were filled with passionate activists of all ages, participating in the 45th annual March for Life.

Taking advantage of an opportunity to support a cause they believed in, sophomore Molly Reinecke and junior Emily Weaver traveled to Washington, D.C. to walk in the 2019 March for Life.

“March for Life is an event where people who are pro-life can come together and protest the laws we have now for abortions in the United States,” Reinecke said. “It’s a place where everyone can come together and work to make change and change in the laws.”

Reinecke and Weaver traveled with the Christ Prince of Peace youth ministry who, together with other parishes across the St. Louis area, bussed students to Washington D.C.

“We rode a bus there and it was 18 hours. The bus ride started at night so they were hoping we’d sleep through the night,” Reinecke said. “Surprisingly, the ride was actually really fun because I made a lot of friends with people I didn’t know from other schools and other churches.”

In addition to meeting new people, Weaver found that the long hours of traveling served as a reminder of the trip’s purpose.

“When you’re going somewhere and have to ride a bus for 18 hours, you are personally more invested, and you can see that this many people from all across the country came to fight for what they believe in,” Weaver said.

The March for Life annually attracts thousands of activists from all parts of the country and recently has worked to provide opportunities for greater youth involvement.

“What sets it apart from getting involved just in St. Louis is seeing how many people across the country are just like you,” Reinecke said. “When I first got there and looked around and saw how many people were there it was really overwhelming, but in the best way possible because there is so much support and energy towards the cause.”

Now, back at home, Reinecke recognizes the importance of getting involved to inspire change.

“I was definitely inspired by how kids my age can make a difference, whether it’s big or small,” Reinecke said. “It’s important for kids to find bigger ways to make change like participating in marches, but, even if it’s just writing a letter, it’s important to do something.”

With this growing presence of youth implementing change, Weaver also finds importance in advocacy for what one believes is right.

“A lot of people say that young people don’t know what’s going on, so it’s important to show we do know,” Weaver said. “The future is on our generation, so if we want the world to be a good place to live in, if we don’t like something, we should change it.”