It’s that time of year again when pro-life advocates demonstrate their numbers and voice with marches across the country. And being right in the center of the 9th Circuit, the “Walk for Life” in San Francisco is among the most well-attended, and for “battleground,” is arguably the most important Walk for Life there is.
The 14th annual Walk for Life West Coast is quickly approaching and organizers are gearing up for a huge crowd and several exciting new speakers. On Saturday, January 27, 2018, people will travel from all over the West Coast to come together to deliver an important message: women deserve better than abortion, and there are people who are willing to help them choose life. Here’s 14 reasons to attend the 14th annual event.
1. History
The March For Life West Coast got its start in 2005. They started out with +7,000 people showing up at Justin Herman Plaza to hear inspirational speakers and pray for the unborn. Years later, they are still going strong and growing in numbers. In 2014, over 50,000 people showed up to make their voices heard. Get organized and see if those numbers can double.
2. Speakers
This year the West Coast Walk for Life has an unbeatable cast of speakers. Joe Scheidler, 2018 winner of the Gianna Molla award will be a headliner. Terry Beatley, founder of the Hosea Initiative, Rev. Cleaned Childress, founder of the BlackGenocide.com, and several others.
3. Weather
The end of January is a tough month to brave the elements in Washington D.C., but it’s much warmer and enjoyable on the West Coast. The average high for January is 56 degrees, and its not likely to snow unless an apocalyptic event takes place.
4. Location
San Francisco is the seat of the 9th Circuit Count of Appeals. It’s among the most important legislating circuits in the country and largely influential on advancing liberal case-law. Our presence there matters.
5. Location, again
It cannot be overstated how important the 9th Circuit is to the country’s legislation on public policy. From 1999 to 2008, of the 0.151% of Ninth Circuit Court rulings that were reviewed by the Supreme Court, 20% were affirmed, 19% were vacated, and 61% were reversed. Think about that.
6. Hollywood influence
You might not want to hear it, but Hollywood has a tremendous influence on America’s public perceptions of morality, law, policy, and justice. The importance of the Walk for Life, in proximity to the seats of the 9th Circuit, is that much more important. Circuit Judge Alex Kozinski once noted that “for better or worse, we are the Court of Appeals for the Hollywood Circuit.” Pro-life folks should turn out to show their numbers.
7. Fund stuff to do later
Pro-life advocate, Doug Johnson one wrote, “Where do I start? I love San Francisco. Get some hot chocolate at Ghirardelli Square. Go to pier 39 and ride the merry-go-round. They have a wax museum that is pretty fun and a video game museum that I think is a hidden gem. Make sure you get some sour dough bread with some sort of soup in it. There are street performers and art galleries everywhere, and I am just talking about Fisherman’s Warf.”
We still agree. San Francisco is a special city with lots to do when attending the Walk for Life.
8. Pilgrimage
Anytime you’re on the road, you should take the time to act also as a pilgrim and visit holy sites. San Francisco is home to two very different Cathedrals: a modern but decadent Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and the much older and aptly named, “Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral” which is a proto-cathedral parish. Both are great landmarks and valuable stops for anyone on a faith-based journey to the city.
9. Numbers
The 2017 Walk was estimated to have over 50,000 people and stretch for over two miles. Can you even comprehend that? That sort of audience matters. It’s time to show our numbers!
10. Food
Yes, food. San Francisco is a very diverse place, which benefits anyone looking for unique and exquisite cuisines. You’re probably on a budget, so check out this link for the top cheap eats in the city and channel your inner foodie.
11. The bridge
This is a unique inclusion that came after I was thinking of “things to do” in the city. If you didn’t know, the San Francisco Golden Gate bridge is not just famous for it’s unique looks and grandeur, but also for the astonishing rate of people who commit suicide from it. Between 1937 and 2012, an estimated 1,600 bodies were recovered of people who had jumped from the bridge. Why not do something extremely important and stop by to enjoy the site, and pray for those who have died there, for those who work to prevent suicide, and for those who are considering suicide. That’s another extremely important way you can be a pro-life worker while in the city.
12. This video
Check it out:
13. Because life depends on it
Affecting public policy that end abortion really is a matter of life and death. Be part of something huge in our generation.
14. The Schedule is Easy
The 2018 Walk for Life West Coast will begin at 12:30 PM with a rally in the city’s Civic Center Plaza. Following the rally, participants will walk down Market Street to Justin Herman Plaza. For more details, and to view a powerful promo video for the walk that can be shared on social media, please visit: www.walkforlifewc.com
