WASHINGTON, January 24, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – U.S President George Bush gave an encouraging address by telephone today to the massive crowd waiting to begin the annual March for Life to the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.
In his live broadcasted telephone exchange with March organizer Nellie Gray the president said, “I’m honored to be a part of this tremendous witness that is taking place in our Nation’s Capitol”. He noted the varied backgrounds of all those working to defend life are united “in our understanding that the essence of civilization is this: The strong have a duty to protect the weak”.
The president espressed his appreciation for the March participants’ work toward building a culture of life and emphasised, “we know that in a culture that does not protect the most dependent, the handicapped, the elderly, the unloved, or simply inconvenient” these persons “become increasingly vulnerable”.
Bush noted that “we’re making progress”, and added “this progress is a tribute to your perseverance and to the prayers of the people. I want to thank you, especially, for the civil way that you have engaged one of America’s most contentious issues. I encourage you to take heart from our achievements, because a true culture of life cannot be sustained solely by changing laws. We need, most of all, to change hearts”.
“This movement will not fail” the current President of the United States told the assembled throng of pro-life Americans from across the United States who had travelled to the capital for this annual national pro-life event.
See the full text the president’s address.