Contact: Jeff Sagnip, 202-225-3765; chrissmith.house.gov 

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2012 /Standard Newswire/ -- Congressman Chris Smith, Co-Chairman of the House Pro-Life Caucus, expressed his sorrow at the passing of Nellie Gray, founder and organizer of the March for Life, who died in her Washington, D.C. home this weekend.

"Since 1974, Nellie Gray, a former corporal in the Women's Army Corps during World War II, marshaled an army of young bright faces who marched on Washington protesting the Supreme Court decisions of 1973 which imposed abortion on demand up until the moment of birth on Americans," said Smith. "Undoubtedly, millions of lives have been touched by Nellie's leadership and countless preborn children have been saved.

"In 1974 at Nellie's first March, I, along with thousands of others, gathered in the nation's capital believing that the tragedy of Roe v. Wade would be short lived. Decades later, Nellie's commitment to the cause and tenacity have made a huge difference and never wavered. The event hatched in her living room went on to become the nation's largest annual pro-life gathering.

"Nellie dedicated the last 38 years of her life to organizing the March for Life and serving as an extraordinary pro-life leader. Even in the worst of weather and poor health, Nellie emceed the March with unstoppable dedication. Due to her leadership, the 1973 fateful Roe v. Wade decision has been marked annually with a somber remembrance that gives voice to the defenseless unborn and the women wounded by abortion.

"The March always refuels the passion of pro-life Americans dedicated to reversing Roe v. Wade so that once again women and children will be protected from the tragedy of abortion," said Smith. "In Nellie's name we will continue her legacy of unceasing commitment to defending the unborn."