Brownwood participated in the 60th Annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday at noon in Depot Plaza.  The informal event brought together residents and pastors from different denominations to take time and pray for the nation; leaders; military, law enforcement, and emergency responders, spiritual growth of America, churches, and family.

The approximately 50 people in attendance also sang the National Anthem and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

“The 2011 National Day of Prayer has special significance due to a recent court ruling by a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals, which affirmed the constitutionality of the law requiring the President to proclaim a National Day of Prayer each year,” stated Michael Calhoun of the National Day of Prayer Task Force in a recent press release. “The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, based in Chicago, ruled 3-0 that the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) and its plaintiffs do not have standing to continue their challenge of the 1952 congressional act declaring an annual National Day of Prayer.”

Calhoun also stated that “Since the days of our founding fathers, prayer has been an indispensible part of our heritage.  We must remain faithful in our commitment to intercede on behalf of our nation, and its leaders, especially at this challenging time.”

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman

Pictured from left: Laverne Sanderson, Brenda Brittain, Judy Brownlee, Mary D. D’Alessio and Sue Jones sing the National Anthem.