Guest column by Dana Rashilla
for Nebraska Right to Life
Two years ago, we saw a day in our nation that seemed beyond belief. On June 24, 2022, after 49 years of abortion on demand in America, the Supreme Court ruled that there is no constitutional right to an abortion, and authority to enact legal protections for the preborn was turned back to the states.
The overturn of Roe v. Wade was astonishing to many, and a day of profound hope and joy--one that will always be remembered in the pro-life community. For nearly 50 years, this landmark decision was widely protested, until the long-awaited decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was announced! Many who grew up with Roe as the law of the land (or remember when the Supreme Court issued its decision Jan. 22, 1973) believed we would never in our lifetime see the overturn of Roe v. Wade. This moment deserves to be celebrated, year after year. It will forever be enshrined as a historic victory for preborn babies and the pro-life movement.
Last year, on the first anniversary of this momentous decision, Nebraska Right to Life celebrated with a free, family-centered event open to the public. What better way to celebrate a historic, life-affirming ruling than by gathering together with friends and family to celebrate life?
Nebraska Right to Life is hosting this event once more, inviting all pro-life friends and their families to join in on a fun day celebrating life and the lives saved with the Dobbs decision.
On Saturday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., all pro-life supporters are invited to come out to Antelope Park’s Shildneck Bandshell in Lincoln. There will be several local food trucks, a Christian band, carnival games, face painting, balloon animals, a raffle, prizes, and yard games for adults. The best part? The event is free admission! Come out to enjoy the live music and try some delicious food or spend some time with your kids walking through all the carnival games. You are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets to have a picnic, or sit at the tables that will be provided to enjoy some fellowship.
Some of our supporters throughout the state have asked if Nebraska Right to Life will ever move the Nebraska Walk for Life to the summer months, now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned. While we agree that warm fingers and toes during the Nebraska Walk for Life sounds appealing, we will never move this event. The simple reason: to remember. We remember and pray for the lives lost to abortion, the mothers who have suffered, and the families that are forever missing members. Each year, on or near the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, with pink and blue balloons, we commemorate babies lost to abortion. These were the young boys and girls who should be with us today, becoming doctors, teachers, priests, mothers and fathers. It is also an amazing testament to see thousands gathered in front of our State Capitol, showing with their presence that those lives mattered. Their absence is keenly felt.
The intention of the Nebraska Walk for Life will remain unchanged, but it is also important to celebrate the victory of the June 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson decision. We hope you can make it to celebrate with us! If you can’t, we encourage you to find a way to make the day special, and teach your children about the significance of this long-awaited day. While it is a day of celebration, it is also where the real work begins in Nebraska. We must press forward in protecting women, babies and families in our state, as we are reminded that our work will not be finished until all life is respected from the moment it starts, until its natural end.
Please note that if you have not already signed the petition to place the pro-life initiative, “Protect Women and Children,” on the November ballot, you will have the opportunity to do so at Life Fest. For more information or to volunteer to help with the event, see nebraskarighttolife.org, or contact Nebraska Right to Life: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 402-438-4802.
