With over 100 supporters attending, Mayor Amicone did not mince any words in his support for the right to life of the unborn. His words emphasized the necessity of supporting women in crisis situations while working to change our culture, seeking common ground along the way.
The conference was held on the steps of City Hall, with everyone braving the miserably cold weather. Robert Astorino, former Legislator of the Westchester County Board who ran for County Executive against Andy Spano was present, standing to the Mayor's left below.
The press conference was covered by Channel 12.
Facilitator and master of ceremonies was Dr. Elizabeth Rex, founder and President of The Children First Foundation, an organization that promotes safe havens and promotes adoption through fund-raising and the purchase of "Choose Life" license plates.
Pediatrician Lisa Marrero, M.D., representing the Pregnancy Care Center, spoke wonderfully on the need to support women in crisis pregnancies. She is an early recipient of the Mott-Stanton-Anthony Award at the annual Women's Equality Day Reformed ceremony in White Plains.
Colleen Barry of Silent No More also spoke, representing women who've had abortions and who are now speaking out in defense of life in the womb while offering support and healing to other women who have suffered abortion's aftermath.
Pastor William Norman, Sr., of the Yonkers Solid Rock Christian Church spoke to the requirement of Christians to promote the right to life message.
John Margand (no picture, unfortunately) represented Healthy Respect, and explained the role of abstinence education and chastity in cultivating a proper understanding of human sexuality and good decision making for young people for a lifetime of health and happiness.
Mayor Amicone then read the Yonkers proclamation declaring January 20th the beginning of Respect Life Week in Yonkers, and presented the Proclamation to Elizabeth Rex, representing the many pro-life groups attending, including Tony Felicissimo and Advocates of Life.
Great job by Yonkers Pro-lifers! And kudos to Mayor Phil Amicone. Here's a last picture of about 3/4 of the attendees who also heard the Mayor read President Bush's National Sanctity of Life Day comments LifeNet: President Bush - Sanctity of human life day. The Mayor remarked that our day of commemoration was set before the President's!
How proud we are of all who
attended the proclamation
in Yonkers. We would have been there but Joe had a fever and bronchitis. What
a great day for Life.
Posted by: Joy Dechiario | January 21, 2008 at 05:02 PM
looks like a great day!
thanks to all for their faithfulness and especially to Colleen for being our voice!
Posted by: Theresa | January 23, 2008 at 02:10 PM
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PEOPLE OF YONKERS AND THEIR MAYOR. YOU WILL SHOW ROCKLAND COUNTY HOW TO MAKE PRO-LIFE WEEK A REALITY HERE. A special thank you to Colleen. You are a beautifully courageous woman who is very close to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Posted by: Eileen Peterson | January 24, 2008 at 01:12 AM
Government has no role in imposing its views on others. People of faith should do what they do but they should not force others who have different views.
Posted by: John Doe | January 25, 2009 at 11:14 PM
Thankfully the City of Yonkers has nothing to do with Choice for Woman. The law still allows Choice.
Posted by: Jane doe | January 25, 2009 at 11:16 PM