PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, civic prayers and national days of prayers have a long and venerable history in our constitution republic, dating back to the First Continental Congress in 1775; and
WHEREAS, the Declaration of Independence, our first statement as Americans of national purpose and identity, made "the Laws of Nature and Nature's God" the foundation of our United States of America and asserted that people have inalienable rights that are God-given; and
WHEREAS, The Supreme Court has affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer and the Supreme Court and the U.S. Congress themselves begin each day with prayer; and
WHEREAS, in 1988, legislation setting aside the first Thursday in May in each year as a National Day of Prayer was passed unanimously by both Houses of Congress and signed by President Ronald Reagan; and
WHEREAS, the National Day of Prayer is an opportunity for Americans of all faiths to join in united prayer to acknowledge our dependence on God, to give thanks for blessings received, to request healing for wounds endured, and to ask God to guide our leaders and bring wholeness to the United States and her citizens; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to give thanks to God by observing a day of prayer in the Borough of Spotswood when all may acknowledge our blessings and express gratitude for them, while recognizing the need for strengthening religious and moral values in our State and nation; and
WHEREAS, this year marks the 58th Annual National Day of Prayer with this year's theme, "Prayer: America's Hope"
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Thomas W. Barlow, Mayor of the Borough of Spotswood, do hereby proclaim Thursday, May 7, 2009, to be designated as A DAY OF PRAYER in the Borough of Spotswood and encourage our citizens to observe the day in ways appropriate to its importance and significance.
DATED: April 20, 2009
Thomas W. Barlow, Mayor
ATTEST:
Patricia DeStefano, RMC
