This Friday brings an uplifting atmosphere as the annual March for Life takes center stage in Washington, D.C. Now in its 53rd year, the event drew thousands of participants, highlighting a promising trend with significant representation from Gen Z and Gen Alpha. This generational turnout marks a noticeable cultural shift toward embracing life.

A key influence in this movement is the legacy of the late Charlie Kirk, whose untimely death galvanized a wave of young advocates passionate about the pro-life cause. Among the most prominent signs at the 2026 March for Life was a tribute to Kirk, featuring his likeness and the memorable slogan: “Get married and have kids. You won’t regret it.”

Choosing life is a decision celebrated by many, as it often leads to unforeseen happiness and fulfillment. This sentiment was beautifully captured by the Friends of Club 21, a diverse choir of young and older adults, who had the honor of performing the National Anthem to kick off the event.

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Get married. Have kids. Protect life. 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/Jw9BxddwQ3

— American Principles Project (@approject) January 23, 2026

The most popular sign at this year’s March for Life 😭

“Get married and have kids. You won’t regret it.” – Charlie Kirk pic.twitter.com/1KRNdAhyMj

— Isabel Brown (@theisabelb) January 23, 2026

No one regrets choosing Life. EVER. And when we make that choice, Life surprises us with unexpected joys. This was embodied in a group of young and older adults from Friends of Club 21. This choir was invited to sing the National Anthem to open the event.

As the National Anthem rang out Friday across the National Mall at the 2026 March for Life, a choir from Friends of Club 21 stood before thousands of marchers and offered a witness that went beyond music. Made up of individuals with Down syndrome, ranging in age from 13 to 42, the choir’s performance drew cheers from the crowd and set the tone for a day dedicated to the dignity of every human life.

The choir performed a piece they had spent weeks preparing, their voices rising confidently before a crowd gathered to advocate for the unborn. For the performers, the moment marked both a celebration of their hard work and a powerful opportunity to be seen and heard.

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Friends of Club 21 is a Colorado non-profit which celebrates people born with Down syndrome, a genetic anomaly where a baby is born with extra copies of Chromosone 21. A recent study stated that somewhere between 60 and 90 percent of babies pre-diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted. So, the fact that this group was represented at the March for Life is an affirmation of the dignity of all Life, as well an acknowledgement that We March because there is still much work left to do to ensure all babies have a chance at Life.

Friends of Club 21 was founded by Tim Middlebrook after a trip to South Africa in 2014. While there, he met Izelle Ells and learned about how she started Club 21, a school for children with Down syndrome. Club 21 received no public funding or government support. Tim, with the support of his wife Michelle, and their four children, started Friends of Club 21 to come alongside this special school and see their vision grow.

Tim and Michelle Middlebrook are proud parents of Sarah, born in 2001 with multiple diagnoses including Down syndrome. They know firsthand the support that is needed for their daughter, their family and their community.

Their performance was more than musical; it was a joyful testimony to life, ability and the unique gifts each individual brings to the world. 

“It’s really exciting,” one of the performers, Garrett Colmer, told the Register. “We love being here.” He said he was looking forward to touring the Washington Monument and singing with the choir again Friday evening at the Rose Dinner Gala.

A choir of adults with Down syndrome lead the rally in a heartfelt national anthem @March_for_Life pic.twitter.com/7ZPTcor8Kv

— Lauretta Brown (@LaurettaBrown6) January 23, 2026

A really special moment at tonight’s Rose Dinner was a performance by the Friends of Club 21 Choir, a musical group made up of students with Down syndrome. Their rendition of “Amazing Grace” was beautiful.@March_for_Life pic.twitter.com/5dVVo4TX7e

— David Closson (@DavidClosson) January 24, 2026

The Middlebrooks’ passion for giving Down syndrome, and special needs children and adults, the opportunity to flourish drew in worship leader and recording artist Jared Anderson, who visited the Club 21 in South Africa with the couple in 2015. When he discovered that the students learned some the songs he had written and recorded, they connected the two Clubs through music, and the program called “Christmas This Year” was born from this visit: an entire musical presentation by performers with Down syndrome. What began as a production to raise awareness and support blossomed into a thriving organization.

As the organization expanded, the choir became a central feature of Friends of Club 21, offering students with Down syndrome the chance to rehearse, perform and build confidence throughout the year. 

“These performances were highlights for the students,” Anderson said. “Many have been on the sidelines in life, but this was their moment to shine.”

“Christmas This Year” celebrated 10 years in December 2025. The March for Life gave Friends of Club 21 a national stage to shine their light and to show the world that every Life is precious.

Jeanne Chicon, whose daughter Nicole is a member of the choir, said she had tears in her eyes watching the group at its sound check before their performance.

“They’re just such a beautiful gift from God,” she said. “Each of them is so special and gives so much of themselves — and has such a strong appreciation of life.”

If you have never been on the March for Life website, you should pay it a visit. The video stories are a beautiful testament to the power of choosing Life and how one Life can change a community, a state, a nation, and even the world. 

To learn more about or to support the work of Friends of Club 21, visit their website.

Editor’s Note: At RedState, it’s not all about politics and policy. We like to bring attention to what’s good in the world, with columns like “Feel-Good Friday,” “Start Your Weekend Right,” and “Hoge’s Heroes.”

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