'We are Thankful'

As the Rev. Don Baumann of Hilltop Community Church prayed for the United States, his words were followed by soft "amens" from the crowd of 200 gathered Thursday at the Capitol in observance of National Day of Prayer.

"We ask you to pray for the military men and women who have served in Iraq, and the families who have lost them," said Baumann, referring to Lance Cpl. Donald J. Cline of Sparks and Lt. Fred Pokorny Jr. of Tonopah, Marines who were killed in Iraq.

"We must pray for the leaders of our nation and the leaders of our military," he added.

The one-hour event included music ministry from members of Calvary Chapel Carson City. Playing drums and dressed in a white, three-piece suit and a white fedora was Matthew McAlman. The intern with the office of Sen. Bill Raggio, R-Washoe County, was celebrating his 18th birthday.

President Bush's proclamation designating Thursday National Day of Prayer was read by Steve George, a representative of Secretary of State Dean Heller's office, Brian Catlett, director of constituent services with Gov. Kenny Guinn's office, read the governor's proclamation. Carson City Mayor Ray Masayko read his own proclamation. He told the crowd he wouldn't miss the observance.

"Even if for only one day, we need to pause to recognize the power of prayer," Masayko said. "I love this ceremony, and the ministers do a good job."

Carson City resident Larry Marino, 62, said he was inspired by the event put together by the city and local pastors.

"It makes us more united," Marino said. "I pray that everyone is healthy and for our leaders to keep this country together."

The Rev. Pat Propster of Calvary Chapel, president of the Carson City Ministerial Fellowship, called the event an overall success.

"I think this shows as a statement of strength as well as standing politically," Propster said.

"It's truly a blessing to see our legislators take time out of their busy schedules to be here. And to echo what Sen. Maurice Washington, R-Sparks, said, he has encouraged us to be truly thankful on this day."

Guest speaker Washington said he was reminded about past events of the country and state, and of how good God has been.

"On this day, National Day of Prayer, God told me to make this day a day of thanksgiving," Washington said.

"Because after Sept. 11, 2001, we were thankful. And for our men and women in Iraq, we are thankful. And God said, 'Give me thanks to be able to congregate and worship and pray unto me.' Today, God, I'm thanking you because I'm in this land.

"And America, despite what others say about it or think about it, America is a good nation."