More than 250 people braved the cold and wintry weather to attend the Memorial Service for the Unborn on Sunday, January 17. This event honored and mourned the 57,000,000 children killed since 1973, when abortion was legalized in all 50 states.
The keynote speaker was Deacon Jim Thorndill, director of development at Holy Family Radio and deacon at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish.
With humor and insightful stories, Thorndill encouraged those in attendance to be vigilant and strong in their prolife convictions.
Music was provided by Our Lady of Consolation middle school choir, under the direction of Mary Harkema.
At the beginning of the memorial service, Grand Rapids Students for Life enacted a funeral procession and carried in a baby’s casket, which they placed in front of the altar. Adorned with beautiful red roses, the casket was a constant reminder throughout the service of the children lost to abortion.
The opening reflection was given by Rev. Peter Damian, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Pastor Michael Keller, Faith Church, closed the memorial in prayer.
Photos from the Memorial Service for the Unborn can be viewed on the Grand Rapids Right to Life Flickr page.