[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 67 (Thursday, May 6, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

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                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 2010

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize today as a 
National Day of Prayer. Congress first established a National Day of 
Prayer in 1952, and in 1988 set the first Thursday in May as the day 
for Presidents to issue proclamations asking Americans to pray. From 
its founding, America has had a rich heritage of affirming religious 
expression in the lives of its citizens. In fact, many of our nation's 
leaders make decisions based on a set of moral values, often rooted in 
their religions or spiritual beliefs. Commander-in-Chief George 
Washington regularly issued orders for military troops to attend and 
participate in religious gatherings.
  In the midst of the recent health care debate in Congress, I attended 
Sunday Service at the Capitol. I was particularly moved by the quote 
that was shared during the service, which was originally given by 
Chaplain Peter Marshall on the floor of the Senate 63 years ago: ``Save 
us from accepting a little of what we know to be wrong in order to get 
a little of what we imagine to be right. Help us to stand up for the 
inalienable rights of mankind and the principles of democratic 
government consistently and with courage, knowing that Thy power and 
Thy blessing will be upon us only when we are in the right. May we so 
speak, and vote, and live, as to merit Thy blessing. Through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen.''
  I found this particularly poignant as I prepared to cast my vote on 
the health care reform bill. One of many issues within this bill was 
the role of the federal government in supporting abortion services. I 
believe federal support for elective abortions is morally wrong, and I 
know many of my colleagues share similar opinions. Chaplain Marshall's 
words of caution from so many years ago offered me guidance as I cast 
my vote against the legislation.
  Madam Speaker, the National Day of Prayer continues to stand as a 
wonderful representation of the religious and spiritual heritage of 
this great nation. Today I urge Americans to reflect on the 
significance of prayer in their lives and it is my hope that Americans 
will always observe the National Day of Prayer with reverence and 
reflection.

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