thedrifter
05-02-08, 07:45 AM
Prayers across the nation
Observances held on base and downtown
May 1, 2008 - 11:18PM
HEATHER GALE
Daily News Staff
After more than 50 years, a tradition begun by President Harry S. Truman continues throughout the nation.
Marines, sailors and residents alike at Camp Lejeune and in Jacksonville joined others around the country Thursday in marking the 57th annual National Day of Prayer.
"Since the nation's beginning, we have seen the need for (God) and the need for prayer," said Lt. Commander David Shirk at Camp Lejeune's Marston Pavilion.
Col. Richard Flatau, Camp Lejeune's commanding officer, said the United States is still a nation about religion and practicing religion freely.
"Freedom of choice is what the nation is founded on, and that is what this day is about," he said.
Flatau also said in order for Marines or sailors to be well rounded, they have to pay attention to the mental, physical and spiritual parts of their lives.
"(The day of prayer) was an opportunity for them to concentrate on the spiritual part that often is neglected," he said.
Edward Williamson, general superintendent of the Evangelical Methodist Church, was invited to Camp Lejeune to speak at the prayer day breakfast.
"The fact (is) that with all the training the Marines and sailors do, they also need to strengthen the spiritual aspect and be encouraged in life," he said.
Williamson has traveled all over the country for the National Day of Prayer, but his appearance at Camp Lejeune was the first time he spoke at a military base for the day.
In downtown Jacksonville, Richard Thornton, a minister at the Potter's Wheel Ministries in Mount Olive and at Onslow County Jail, said every year he gathers everyone he can to come to the Freedom Fountain near the Onslow County Courthouse to pray.
Various political candidates, ministers and residents went to the Freedom Fountain near the Onslow County Superior Courthouse to celebrate "the power of prayer."
Sheriff Ed Brown said it is important not only to have the day of prayer in Jacksonville but everywhere in the country.
"Prayer is the life chain for Christians," he said. "It is the hope for Christians and the salvation for our nation."
Jacksonville City Councilwoman Alva Williams added that "our roots are in God."
Former Jacksonville Mayor Jan Bean Slagle said the current time is hard for Christians because of people in power in Congress.
"There are also a lot of people in politics here today," she said. "I just wanted to say do not check your faith at the door of the boardroom."
Contact city and county government reporter Heather Gale at hgale@freedomenc.com or 910-219-8464. Visit jdnews.com to comment on this report.
Ellie
Observances held on base and downtown
May 1, 2008 - 11:18PM
HEATHER GALE
Daily News Staff
After more than 50 years, a tradition begun by President Harry S. Truman continues throughout the nation.
Marines, sailors and residents alike at Camp Lejeune and in Jacksonville joined others around the country Thursday in marking the 57th annual National Day of Prayer.
"Since the nation's beginning, we have seen the need for (God) and the need for prayer," said Lt. Commander David Shirk at Camp Lejeune's Marston Pavilion.
Col. Richard Flatau, Camp Lejeune's commanding officer, said the United States is still a nation about religion and practicing religion freely.
"Freedom of choice is what the nation is founded on, and that is what this day is about," he said.
Flatau also said in order for Marines or sailors to be well rounded, they have to pay attention to the mental, physical and spiritual parts of their lives.
"(The day of prayer) was an opportunity for them to concentrate on the spiritual part that often is neglected," he said.
Edward Williamson, general superintendent of the Evangelical Methodist Church, was invited to Camp Lejeune to speak at the prayer day breakfast.
"The fact (is) that with all the training the Marines and sailors do, they also need to strengthen the spiritual aspect and be encouraged in life," he said.
Williamson has traveled all over the country for the National Day of Prayer, but his appearance at Camp Lejeune was the first time he spoke at a military base for the day.
In downtown Jacksonville, Richard Thornton, a minister at the Potter's Wheel Ministries in Mount Olive and at Onslow County Jail, said every year he gathers everyone he can to come to the Freedom Fountain near the Onslow County Courthouse to pray.
Various political candidates, ministers and residents went to the Freedom Fountain near the Onslow County Superior Courthouse to celebrate "the power of prayer."
Sheriff Ed Brown said it is important not only to have the day of prayer in Jacksonville but everywhere in the country.
"Prayer is the life chain for Christians," he said. "It is the hope for Christians and the salvation for our nation."
Jacksonville City Councilwoman Alva Williams added that "our roots are in God."
Former Jacksonville Mayor Jan Bean Slagle said the current time is hard for Christians because of people in power in Congress.
"There are also a lot of people in politics here today," she said. "I just wanted to say do not check your faith at the door of the boardroom."
Contact city and county government reporter Heather Gale at hgale@freedomenc.com or 910-219-8464. Visit jdnews.com to comment on this report.
Ellie