The venue for the Eleventh Annual Proudly Pro-Life Awards Dinner changed from the historic Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City to the Historic Willard Inter-Continental Hotel in Washington, D.C. The new location made it easier for members of Congress to attend last night, but not at the expense of losing anything that makes this celebration so special.
The dinner itself was, as always, delicious. The fellowship was, as always, a source of joy. And the messages from Vice President Richard Cheney, Master of Ceremonies Ben Stein, and Honoree Pat Boone, alternatively brought the audience to tears and to their feet.
The Proudly Pro-Life Awards Dinner is that magically special night in which the National Right to Life Educational Trust Fund honors leaders in the right to life movement. In accepting his award Mr. Boone joined an illustrious list of stalwarts.
Previous recipients include:
Archbishop Renato Martino Dr. James Dobson Mrs. Arthur DeMoss John Cardinal O'Connor Gov. Robert Casey Congressman Henry Hyde Senator Bob Smith Congressman Christopher Smith Congressman Charles Canady Judge Robert Bork Mr. Virgil Dechant of the Knights of Columbus Senator Jesse Helms Mr. Wellington Mara of the New York Football Giants Mr. Thomas S. Monaghan Bishop James T. McHugh Mr. Lawrence Garvey Fr. Frank Pavone
The Trust Fund has also paid special tribute to: Pope John Paul II Mother Teresa President Ronald Reagan
My assignment at these great dinners is to capture the "feel," the atmosphere of the gathering, using words and photos. I will go over my notes and try to paint a vivid picture in the coming weeks.
For now, just hours after the wonderful dinner climaxed, I have only impressions. The strongest recollections include the calm, measured, unyielding-in-their-deter mination remarks of pro-life Vice President Richard Cheney.
Even some pro-lifers may not know how delighted we were when pro-life President George W. Bush announced that he had chosen Mr. Cheney as his running mate.
Mr. Stein’s all-out, all engines running embrace of the cause of life reminded me yet again that his passion for unborn children is second to none.
He is in the best sense of the term a true believer who has dedicated a significant portion of his life to championing the cause of life.
And Mr. Boone was his usual quietly inspirational self. He has that special knack for not only choosing the most relevant passages from Scripture but also applying their principles to our present battle against the evil of abortion in a uniquely moving way. Every time I hear him, I come away refreshed and renewed.
Yet I would be grossly amiss if I did not also at least briefly discuss “I gave you up.” The song is a haunting lament, written from the perspective of a woman who, tragically, has aborted her baby. Sung by Mrs. Diane Derrick Kimble, it reminded us in an unforgettable way why we are concerned about both mother and unborn baby.
Last night was a great evening. In a small but significant way, the NRLC Educational Trust Fund was able to express the gratitude of all pro-lifers for these great champions of life.
Thank you, Vice President Richard Cheney, Pat Boone, and Ben Stein.
The venue for the Eleventh Annual Proudly Pro-Life Awards Dinner changed from the historic Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City to the Historic Willard Inter-Continental Hotel in Washington, D.C. The new location made it easier for members of Congress to attend last night, but not at the expense of losing anything that makes this celebration so special.