Chaplains from local law enforcement agencies and fire departments will lead Thursday’s local observance of the National Day of Prayer.
The local service takes place at noon Thursday at Bell Tower Park in the 100 block of West Innes Street.
The national theme of this year’s observance is “Prayer! Americans’ Strength and Shield” and is based on Psalms 28:7: “The Lord is my strength and shield, my heart trusts in him and I am helped.”
Consequently, a number of chaplains will lead the Salisbury service, including Harvey Rice and Russ Williams of the Salisbury Police Department; Eddy Taylor of the Emergency Medical Service; Mike Taylor of the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office; and Doug Stevens of the Salisbury Fire Department.
The Rowan County Fire and Rescue Association Honor Guard, with representatives of city and county departments, will present the colors.
Mayor Susan Kluttz and Arnold Chamberlain, chairman of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners, will welcome the audience, and Jim Lewis, praise team leader at Trading Ford Baptist Church, will lead music.
Local businessmen Pete Teague and Pete Harvey will handle introductions and readings. Brief testimonies of faith will be given by Yvonne Dixon of Rowan Regional Medical Center; Lisa Markham of Community One Bank; and David Whisenant, reporter for WBTV-Channel 3.
National Day of Prayer is held annually on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation and world.
The holiday was first approved in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress, signed by President Harry Truman. In 1988, Congress approved an amendment, signed by President Ronald Reagan, permanently designating the day of the observance.
More information is available on the Internet at www.nationaldayofprayer.org.