BAGHDAD - Soldiers assigned to 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division gathered together May 6 for a luncheon to observe the National Day of Prayer at Contingency Operating Station Falcon. Soldiers were treated to the luncheon, so they too could celebrate, even while deployed.
On April 17, 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill proclaiming a National Day of Prayer must be declared by each following president on a date of their choosing. In 1988 the law was amended so that the National Day of Prayer would be held on the first Thursday in May. The purpose of the day was a way of encouraging all Americans to pray, no matter what their denomination.
"I think [the luncheon] was awesome," said Maj. Sherman Armstrong, the brigade engineer officer, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company. "It was my first one deployed, and it didn't take anything away from us being stateside. We had music, great speakers, and I felt completely blessed for the lesson and the actual blessing today."
This was the second prayer luncheon the brigade has held since arriving in Iraq. A few changes that were made after the first event helped put more emphasis on the program itself, said Sgt. Antonio Henderson, the brigade chaplain's assistant assigned to HHC.
"We decided to make everyone sit together this time. Having the brigade leaders sitting with everyone else put the focus on the prayer and the songs, instead of them," said Henderson.
The program was a success, agreed both Armstrong and Henderson.
"When I heard of the opportunity to be a part of something that is bigger than us-and and plus it involved God-I was eager and excited to be here," said Armstrong, who arrived in Iraq only three days prior to the prayer luncheon.
Celebrating a National Day of Prayer was first encouraged by leaders in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming the nation. Now, nearly 235 years later, the President signs a proclamation each year supporting the day.
"I believe people are more passionate [in Iraq]," said Henderson. "They get more into it. I believe prayer works, no matter where you are, but I believe people pray more when their lives are in danger."
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