Siena students march for life in D.C.

Last Friday, the junior at Siena College in Loudonville went about it the right way: He took to the streets of Washington, D.C., with 100,000 other pro-lifers who descended on the nation's capital for the 26th annual March for Life.

Twenty-five of that number were members of "Students for Life," a group of Siena students who banded together more than two years ago to further pro-life efforts. Moderated by Siena lecturer Dr. Tony Butler, the club has participated in other pro-life marches and peaceful demonstrations in Albany, attended activities like the recent Schenectady Right to Life dinner, and hosted guest speakers.

However, this was the group's first chance to take part in the March for Life. "It was really impressive," enthused the club secretary, Paul McMeil, a sophomore.

After a long journey by bus to Washington, the students began their day by lobbying during meetings with assistants to Reps. Michael McNulty and John Sweeney. The march took place during the afternoon, a three-hour procession from the Washington Monument to the Capitol. The students said it got off to a slow start because of the sheer number of marchers.

Although a proponent of pro-life issues, Mr. Powers admitted he had originally been reluctant to attend the March for Life. At the last minute, he recalled, "I said, `Why am I not going? I've got to go for the right reasons, and the reasons are because I care about people.'"

Standing amid marchers and listening to Cardinal John O'Connor's speech at the march, the student realized he had made the right decision.

"It was pretty amazing," he said of the march. "I've never walked in a group like that before. The amount of banners was unbelievable. The signs were not so much graphic and bloody, more like supporting life."

Both students recalled a moment when the road rose enough that they were able to see the tens of thousands of marchers ahead of them. "It was one of those things you say you'll never forget," Mr. Powers declared. "Hopefully, you've changed one person's life today."

One particular person was already changed by the experience: the bus driver who brought the students to Washington. "You always wonder what effect you have on other people," said Mr. McMeil. "He told us any time we need another driver, keep him in mind."

The Siena group shared their bus with 17 high-school students from the Albany Diocese. Mr. Powers was impressed with their presence, saying: "I couldn't believe how young they were. There was a reassuring effect -- it's not just the baby-boomer or older generation" that advocates for life.

The students came home re-energized to spread their pro-life message. "Everyone's got stories that they've changed people's minds," said Mr. McMeil, who said that sharing his views has influenced some of his dorm-mates. "You don't have to be argumentative. You just present the facts."

Taking part in the March for Life made Mr. Powers want to cause people "not to look at [abortion] as such a political issue [but rather as] a human issue. If people know what it's like to lose a family member, think what it's like to lose them before they're even born. [They should] take some consideration before making the choice."

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