When the Supreme Court handed down its fateful decision on Roe v. Wade, legislating abortion-on-demand, pro-lifers knew that they had to act to defend the unborn.
But few took the call to action as strongly as the late Nellie Gray did.
If you've ever attended a March for Life before, she's the one to whom you owe your thanks.
Due to her recent passing, I'd like to take a moment to pay tribute to her, as well as the legacy which she left behind.
Nellie Gray had been preparing for retirement after spending decades in the work force around the time that Roe v. Wade was handed down.
With so many unborn babies' lives on the line, Nellie Gray just couldn't sit still, and dedicated the rest of her life, nearly 40 years, to the defense of the unborn.
She has inspired hundreds of thousands of pro-lifers, me included, with her dedication to the unborn at the annual March for Life.
On the first anniversary of Roe v. Wade in 1974, Gray helped organize the March which had 25,000 pro-life activists in attendance.
Since then, the March has grown exponentially, thanks to her unparalleled dedication, to a regular participation of hundreds of thousands every year, with young people, the future of the movement, coming out in droves.
I've been to the March for Life many times now, and believe me, it's an inspiring sight.
But perhaps what I most admire about Nellie Gray was her uncompromising motto of "no exceptions."
She understood that all unborn children have a right to life, and she was unwilling to give any ground in that fight.
Nellie Gray leaves behind an amazing legacy of a life dedicated to the unborn.
But her work remains unfinished.
Which is why National Pro-Life Alliance members like you are now taking up the mantle she left behind.
You and I are fighting for the passage of a Life at Conception Act so that no baby is left behind as unimportant, and no politician gets away with vague pro-life promises.
I hope and pray that when we attend next year's March for Life, the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we can attend proud in the knowledge that we have honored Gray's legacy by doing our utmost to defend the unborn.
And one day, we'll attend the March for the last time--when we've won the battle so long fought. Nothing will make Nellie happier.
For Life,
Martin Fox, President
National Pro-Life Alliance
P.S. The March for Life is a powerful experience. I'd invite you to look at the photos below to take a glance at what it's like.
And if you can, please consider chipping in with a donation to help the National Pro-Life Alliance carry on the fight.
Scroll down to view additional photos from the March for Life.
Nellie Gray inspired generations of pro-lifers to demand at the annual March for Life an end to abortion-on-demand.
