National Day of Prayer

WHEREAS, a National Day of Prayer has been embedded in American tradition for hundreds of years- the Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer in 1775; in 1863, Abraham Lincoln established a proclamation for a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer”; a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman in 1952, declared an annual, national day of prayer; and in 1988, President Ronald Reagan set aside the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer; and

WHEREAS, following the devastating event the United States experienced on September 11, 2001, President Bush reminded us that Congress, through Public Law 100-307, called on citizens to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society and to honor the religious diversity our freedom permits by recognizing this day annually; and

WHEREAS, the people of Alaska represent a variety of cultural and religious traditions, and each community of faith warrants the recognition and respect of others; and

WHEREAS, we encourage thoughtful reflection on the condition of our state and country, and honor our freedom of religious expression, whether that is prayer, giving alms, fasting, peace activism, meditation, promotion of social justice, or another form of contemplative action; and

WHEREAS, let us not forget that the liberty and freedoms we enjoy are promoted and protected by the willingness, dedication, and sacrifice of our country’s military servicemen and women; and

WHEREAS, on this National Day of Prayer, I urge you to join fellow Americans across racial, political, and religious boundaries to observe this special day within your respective communities and faith traditions; and

WHEREAS, may we be thankful for our blessings, reflect on the many needs of our state and nation, treat our neighbors with dignity and respect, and seek moral and spiritual renewal through the religious or spiritual expression which most closely aligns with who we are as individuals;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the state of Alaska, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2009 as:

National Day of Prayer

in Alaska and encourage Alaskans to keep the health, well-being, prosperity, and peace of our state, nation, and world in mind on this day.

Dated: May 1, 2009

Printed on 11/21/09 at 7:14:35 PM by 146.63.16.194