By TIM BULLARD

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH — Father George F. Moynihan from Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish blessed and helped dedicate a Memorial to the Unborn Aug. 1 in 105-degree heat as members of the Knights of Columbus stood at attention at North Myrtle Beach Memorial Gardens.

Many of the 55 members of the local Knights of Columbus council were proud to take part in the ceremony.

"I think it's great," said Bob Speedling, commander of the Honor Guard. "I think it's something the Knights should be doing. We're pro-life."

Robert Filete, faithful navigator, said, "It's something that everybody will be able to see. It makes people think of the abortion issue."

Theodore White, past faithful navigator, added, "It's wonderful. It should have happened sooner."

"The unborn can't speak for themselves, so we have to speak for them," said Jim Nay, another past faithful navigator.

Bob Lyncheski of the Grand Strand Citizens for Life also congratulated the men of the 4th Degree of Our Lady Star of the Sea Assembly for this tribute to the unborn.

Father Moynihan blessed the memorial as parish members raised umbrellas in the suffocating humidity.

"Lord Jesus Christ, you took our human nature upon yourself. You shared our life and death, our childhood and adulthood. You also shared our time in the womb. While still God, while worshipped and adored by the angels, while almighty and filling every part of the universe, you dwelt for nine months in the womb of Mary. You were our redeemer in the womb, our God who was a preborn child," said the pastor.

"Lord Jesus, we ask you to bless and protect the children who today are in their mothers' womb. Save them from the danger of abortion. Give their mothers the grace to sacrifice themselves, in body and soul, for their children. Help all people to recognize in the pre-born child a brother, a sister, saved by you, our redeemer in the womb."