SIDNEY — Around 75 people gathered at the Shelby County Courthouse in downtown Sidney for the annual Pro-Life Candlelight Vigil, which marks the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision of 1973 that legalized abortion in the United States.

Starting in the basement of the courthouse, the vigil commenced with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Program Director Anne Schmiesing addressed the crowd providing information about programs for post-abortion healing.

A guest speaker then shared her story of a successful adoption and one that fell through due to an abortion. She and her husband also have a 14-month old daughter, conceived after a diagnosis of infertility.

A candlelight procession around the courthouse followed the talks. Participants returned to the building for concluding remarks and prayer.

The event is sponsored by Shelby County Right to Life. The Sidney Council of the Knights of Columbus provided refreshments following the event.

Sue Wilding, of Sidney, walks around the courtsquare in the Shelby County Candlelight Vigil on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The vigil was a memorial for Roe v. Wade on the court decision’s anniversary. People first gathered in the Shelby County Courthouse then after prayers and a testimonial walked once around the courthouse before re-entering the courthouse for some hot chocolate.

https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2020/01/web1_SDN012420Abortion-1.jpgSue Wilding, of Sidney, walks around the courtsquare in the Shelby County Candlelight Vigil on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The vigil was a memorial for Roe v. Wade on the court decision’s anniversary. People first gathered in the Shelby County Courthouse then after prayers and a testimonial walked once around the courthouse before re-entering the courthouse for some hot chocolate. Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News

https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2020/01/web1_DSC_9678-1.jpgLuke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News