Fifth Former Madison McCann was among a group of Portsmouth Abbey students, led by Christian Doctrine Teacher Mr. John Huynh, that participated in this year's March for Life. This was the 42nd year that opponents of abortion from around the country have gathered on the National Mall, in Washington, D.C., in peaceful demonstration of the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision. Following are Madison's reflection about the experience:

"Towards the end of January, I was one of a handful of Portsmouth Abbey students that participated in the March for Life, the annual pro-life rally protesting abortion in Washington, D.C. Although Portsmouth Abbey has been offering this amazing opportunity for many years, this was my first year marching. Since Martin Luther King Day took place just days prior to the rally this year, I felt inspired to go to D.C. and stand for something I believe in, as MLK did.

"As I walked on the National Mall on January 22 with 200,000 other people who share the same beliefs – standing up for the rights of the unborn – everything else seemed irrelevant. Everyone's background, race, religion, was dismissed and, instead, all the energy was focused on one thing: choosing life. Through this March for Life trip, I made many new friends, shared many laughs and, most importantly, gained a greater appreciation for life."

-- Madison McCann '16

View a slide show of this year's March for Life.