More than 200 people attend rally and walk in support of all lives
The East Tennessee Catholic
Pro-life East Tennesseans finally had the opportunity to show their opposition to abortion en masse on March 14 as they took to the streets of Hamilton County for the Chattanooga March for Life.
Community members from across the region gathered on that Saturday for the march, which was hosted by Tennessee Right to Life at Walker Pavilion in Coolidge Park. The annual event brought together individuals, families, churches, and pro-life organizations to affirm the value of life and demonstrate continued support for the pro-life movement in the Chattanooga area.
The event was originally scheduled for Jan. 31 but was postponed because of inclement weather.
Approximately 250 participants attended the rally and march, which began with an exhibitor fair featuring 10 local and regional pro-life organizations sharing information about their missions, services, and ways to support life-affirming work in the community.
The event began at noon with a rally that included prayer, music, and remarks from keynote speaker Greg Mayo, the award-winning author of Almost Daddy: The Forgotten Story.
Mr. Mayo spoke about the importance of fatherhood and creating space for healing from abortion.
“The goal is to get men talking about it, drag it out of the shadows of shame, out of the isolation of their pain, to get men healed so that young men faced with an unplanned-pregnancy situation will see that there is an opportunity for them to stand up to voice their opinion and protect their unborn child,” Mr. Mayo said during his address.
Following the rally, participants took to the streets of downtown Chattanooga for the annual March for Life, walking together in a visible demonstration of support for the dignity and protection of human life.
Father Alex Hernandez, associate pastor of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga, shows his support for life at all ages and stages. (Courtesy of Hope Traffanstedt)
“Each year the Chattanooga March for Life is a powerful reminder that our community cares deeply about the dignity and protection of every human life,” said Candy Clepper, president of Tennessee Right to Life-Greater Chattanooga. “Seeing so many individuals, families, and organizations come together in peaceful witness encourages us to continue our work—supporting mothers, fathers, and children while promoting a culture that values life at every stage.”
After the march, many participants continued to the National Memorial for the Unborn in Chattanooga for a memorial ceremony honoring lives lost to abortion and offering a time for prayer and reflection.
Stacy Dunn, president of Tennessee Right to Life, attended the march and was thankful for the strong turnout.
“It was a beautiful day the Lord gave us to march for life. People showed up and we were excited to be able to stand for life in Chattanooga. The route was longer this year, almost two miles, so it was a great opportunity. We walked through a park, and since it was a beautiful day, there were a lot of people at the park,” Mrs. Dunn said.
“So, it made a great impression on a lot of people. We got to reach a lot of people with the march,” she added.
Tennessee Right to Life hosts the annual March for Life each year to bring the community together in peaceful witness and to highlight organizations providing support and resources for women, families, and children.
Tennessee Right to Life is the state’s oldest and largest pro-life advocacy organization. It is a nonprofit, non-sectarian, volunteer-based organization affiliated with the National Right to Life Committee in Washington, D.C., and made up of local county chapters throughout Tennessee.
Tennessee Right to Life is committed to effectively advocating the protection of human life through educational outreach, passage of protective legislation, and the development of an informed, active grassroots movement statewide.