(Fremont County, WY) – On January 23rd, March For Life events were held in both Lander and Riverton ahead of the national event on January 29th – which will be virtual this year. County 10 was not aware these events were happening locally, however, attendee Karl Falken shared some information with us.
Lander had around 80 attendees and 18 in Riverton, Karl noted. Community members Karen Wetzel and Lisa Sheehan were the primary organizers for the Lander march. The Riverton event was organized by Knights of Columbus Council 3237 Grand Knight Jeff Schiefer.
Karen shared with Karl their motivation for organizing the event was because “we want to help people to understand that abortion is wrong, it is taking a human life. Unfortunately, many people for various reasons do not have accurate information or a clear understanding of this. We especially want to let expectant mothers know there are other options and resources for them and their children that make life, including adoption, an option, and it is the loving option.”
Riverton organizer Jeff shared his motivation with Karl as well, stating “I’m generally not political, but I believe this is a good way to offer another point of view to the current administration’s stated position on abortion. I am pro-life and believe in the dignity of life. It is the responsibility of every individual to take a personal stand, not just against the evil of abortion, but for those who do not have a voice yet.”
Lander’s march began at the intersection of Main and 10th and culminated at Centennial Park. Participants carried signs, sang, prayed, and waved at passersby. The smaller attendance compared to the first year in 2020, which had over 170 folks, was attributed to a change in Wyoming Catholic College class schedules, Karen shared with Karl.
Speakers in Lander included Father James Schumacher of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Pastor Shannon Arnold of the Lander Baptist Church, Chaplain for Wyoming Catholic College Monseigneur Daniel Seiker, and Pastor Philip Strong of the Grace Reformed Fellowship.
“The topics they spoke on were different, but shared the same theme that everyone has a responsibility to take a stand for the sacredness of life,” Karl noted.
The Riverton event was held at City Park on the corner of Federal and Main. Senate District 26 Representative Tim Salazar and House District 34 Representative Pepper Ottman were both in attendance. Pepper shared with Karl, “what a privilege it is to stand for the pre-born.“
Both events were orderly and peaceful, Karl noted. They also elicited waves and honks of support from passersby.