5-3-12  Even before we were founded as a nation the Continental Congress issued a proclamation in 1775 recommending that a "day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer" be observed.  Our early Presidents continued observing an annual "day of prayer", asking for citizens of all faiths to pray that our country be protected from all the dangers which would threaten it.  In 1952 Harry Truman signed a bill proclaiming that the National Day of Prayer would be declared by each President on a date of his choice, and in 1988 the law was amended to change the date to the 1st Thursday of May.  Recently the Freedom from Religion Foundation has been challenging the law.  Their 1st challenge was unanimously dismissed by a Federal appellate court in 2011.

  Today the Lunch Bunch (and others who happened to be in the office) held our own meaningful little ceremony and remembrance of the day.  We walked down to the entrance of the office complex where a beautiful American flag waves proudly overhead and made a circle around the flagpole.  We held hands as one by one we either offered a prayer or silently passed to the one beside us, offering thanks to our God and asking for protection and guidance for ourselves, our leaders, and our country.

    When the National Day of Prayer was amended in1988, one of the intentions was to "demonstrate a respect for God".  I'm glad that we took our little group outside, where we were visible to the passing cars, and formed a circle around the flagpole, something I hadn't done since gradeschool!  Some people think there isn't any Tea Party anymore because they don't see a lot of rallys and demonstrations.  They think we're not doing anything.  But there are lots of us who are busy working on things and they're going to be surprised before it's over.  Come get to work with us!