The news media shines the spotlight on marches that claim to be “peaceful protests” so often that the phrase starts to lose its meaning.

But there’s one march that has stayed peaceful for over 40 years. Often this march isn’t show on the news–maybe from bias, maybe because of a lack of interest, or maybe it’s that the chaotic toddler will get more attention than the responsible one. Regardless of reason, the March for Life is an incredible example of what a peaceful and unified protest looks like.

This year, the 600,000 pro-life marchers were joined by the Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence. He gave an unforgettable speech coining the phrase, “life is winning,” which has been used as a slogan by the pro-life movement since.

In addition, President Trump even tweeted out, “The #MarchForLife is so important. To all of you marching — you have my full support!” to voice his support for the marchers.

The positive messages like these from our nation’s leaders helped to add to a more unified and uplifting march.

Among the marchers were people young and old, and some of which are from our own district! Mia Widhalm, junior at Crystal Lake Central High School, described it as a hopeful occasion because, “seeing all my fellow young people there gave me hope.”

When asked to describe the march in one word, Mia’s sister Amy Widhalm, a Crystal Lake Central graduate said, “[it was like a] party because, opposed to popular opinion, the March is more of a celebration rather than a protest with fun yellow balloons!”

This year the marchers had a win.

The president has already passed an act to start slowly removing government funding of Planned Parenthood.

Ryan Nooraee, a senior at Crystal Lake South High School, said after attending this year’s March of Life: “I know that one day, life will win. Maybe not today or maybe not in the next few years, but it will. And I know that by marching we are bringing ourselves even closer to that date.”

In America you truly can make a difference, so find something you’re passionate about and fight for it.