By Peter J. Smith
LANSING, Michigan, August 18, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Pro-life advocates in Michigan are dedicating this year’s “Dream Cruise Tour” to slain pro-life activist Jim Pouillon, an elderly man gunned down almost one year ago while protesting abortion in his hometown of Owosso.
Pouillon was fondly remembered by pro-life advocates for his tireless witness to the sanctity of life, even as his health was failing and he needed an oxygen tank to help him breathe. In Owosso, he gained the moniker “the abortion sign guy” for his peaceable protest of abortion, often with signs depicting aborted babies.
On September 11, 2009, Harlan Drake gunned down Pouillon in cold blood as he stood outside of the Owosso High School, later admitting that he killed Pouillon for his pro-life witness. Drake was sentenced to life in prison in April for Pouillon's murder and that of another man he killed the same day.
This year’s “Dream Cruise Tour” will also be known as the “Jim Pouillon Memorial Tour” to honor the courageous witness of Pouillon with stops all over Michigan.
The tour, sponsored by the Wisconsin-based Missionaries to the Preborn starts Wednesday and concludes Saturday and concludes with a drive in Detroit for the Woodward Avenue “Dream Cruise”, which features classic cars from the 40s, 50s, 60s.
Poignantly, pro-life advocates remember that Pouillon was slain just three weeks after the last “Dream Cruise Tour”, and expected to participate again in 2010.
Jim Soderna, a spokesman for the Missionaries, told LifeSiteNews.com (LSN) that the “Dream Cruise” was heading towards Lansing, the state capital. There, the Missionaries will drive the “Truth Truck”, which features both images of aborted and living unborn children, while others pass out literature on the street.
At least two stops are planned for Owosso, Michigan from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. outside the Planned Parenthood facility on at E. Main St. & N. Hintz Rd. where Pouillon used to carry on his pro-life witness. Another stop is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Main St. (M-21) & Shaiwassee St., where Pouillon was also regularly seen speaking out for the rights of the unborn child.
Soderna said that it was important for pro-life advocates to remember Pouillon’s witness in this tour, and that ultimately, “even though they may kill the body, there are others that will take your place to speak up for the pre-born children.”
He added there were approximately 30 people traveling with the tour, and they expected more local people to join them at their stops along the way.
See related coverage by LifeSiteNews.com:
Pouillon Murderer Sentenced to Life in Prison
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/apr/10042309.html
Well-Known Local Pro-Life Activist Gunned Down in Michigan
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/sep/09091101.html
“Jim the Sign Guy”: Slain Pro-Lifer, Father of Two, Remembered by Friends as Cheerful, Peaceful Activist
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/sep/09091104.html