At Texas Right to Life's sold-out 16th Annual Celebration of Life held at the Westin Galleria, Houston, Texas Right to Life's highest honor — the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Governor Rick Perry for his lifetime of service to the Pro-Life cause.
While presenting Governor Perry with his award, Elizabeth Graham reflected, “Even before he took office as our Governor in 2000, Rick Perry dedicated himself to the protection of born and yet-to-be-born Texans. He has effectively put his advocacy into action during his tenure as Texas' top official, which is why Texas Right to Life is proud to give him the Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifetime of service to the Pro-Life movement. His more than ten years in the office of governor have afforded him countless opportunities to protect Life, and he's made the most of every one.”
Pro-Life Whip, Representative Bryan Hughes served as the evening's Master of Ceremonies, noting, “With a Culture of Death sweeping over America even before those 1973 Supreme Court decisions, the founders of Texas Right to Life recognized the need to become organized and active on all fronts where Life is assaulted. What began simply with some board members and a handful of volunteers has grown to a powerhouse that is the largest Pro-Life organization for a thousand miles — with tens of thousands of members.”
For their successful passage of House Bill 2, John Seago, Texas Right to Life Legislative Director, gave the 2013 Pro-Life Representative of the Year Award to Representative Jodie Laubenberg (R-Rockwall) and the 2013 Pro-Life Senator of the Year Award Senator Glenn Hegar (R-Katy). Additionally, 4 State Senators and 24 members of the State House who stood with Texas Right to Life on all issues during the 83rd Legislative Sessions were recognized for outstanding Pro-Life rankings.
Pro-Life supporters and statewide Pro-Life leaders were honored to be joined by Norma McCorvey, Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade, Michael Voris with Church Militant, friends from the Susan B. Anthony List and Empower Texans, and several pregnancy resource agencies. The pinnacle of the evening was Governor Perry taking the stage for the keynote address.
Jim Graham, Executive Director of Texas Right to Life concluded the evening, emphasizing renewed commitment. “We intend to dramatically increase our physical presence around the state. Forty years of killing innocent children is 40 years too many.”
Texas Right to Life commemorates its 40th anniversary with an increased commitment to defending innocent human life and further expanding the Culture of Life in Texas.