Nearly three dozen runners and walkers lined up in front of the Missouri Capitol in below-freezing temperatures Saturday to show their belief in the sacredness of life.
A few yards away, another group of about the same size were huddled on the southside steps praying the Rosary for unborn babies.
These were the first of many parts related to the Fifth Annual MidWest March for Life, drawing participants from surrounding states.
Inside the Capitol, more than 20 organizations set up information tables around the Rotunda, where former Planned Parenthood Director Abby Johnson was the keynote speaker at a rally following a community march from the Governor's Mansion.
Many Helias Catholic High School Life Runners joined the 5K, including sophomore Ethan Rackers and freshman Nathan Wieberg.
"This is a huge problem," Wieberg said. "They've killed millions of innocent babies. It's just unfair. They're not giving them a chance."
Unlike their monthly walks through the Helias hallways before school, joining the MidWest March for Life events allowed the students to show their opinion to a larger community, Rackers said.
"It's important to let everyone know younger people care about this," he said.
St. Peter Catholic Church member Codi Lauf recruited friends and family to join her in the run, too.
"This is great, collaborating two important things in my life," Lauf said.
Participants wore red wristbands saying "Together we are winning."
Also, they were undeterred when opposition shouted from High Street.
On display in front of the microphone where pro-life organization leaders and politicians spoke were large, clear containers filled with diaper pins - 625,000 representing one for every Missouri abortion victim, said Catherine Thomas, Oak Grove. Thomas is working on a Missouri Life Memorial to "illustrate the tragedy of abortion, but also point to the forgiveness and hope offered through the life of Jesus Christ," she said.
"Most of us are very visual; when we consider each pin is a child, I think people grasp the concept."
A similar project is in discussion locally.
Volunteer Jan Kruse has taught classes and supported pro-life organizations in Central Missouri. She hopes to see a Missouri Memorial for the Unborn, offering a chance for closure to mothers and fathers who grieve for their lost children, either to miscarriage or abortion, she said.
"It would be a way for these people to express themselves," Kruse said. "For many, their grief can be overwhelming."
Many pro-life organizations also offer resources to help those heal from either shame or grief in the aftermath of an abortion. Statistics suggest one in three women will have an abortion.
"It's time for people to start reaching out and stop pretending it's not bothering them," Kruse said. "Some have managed to look good on the outside, but they're torn apart on the inside.
"It's time to come out of the closets, deal with the issues of shame and guilt and realize there is forgiveness for those who ask."
That is why Kruse hopes an eventual memorial to the unborn would say: "You are forgiven. Your child is with Me."
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