National Day of Prayer observance slated

People from across America will come to churches for National Day of Prayer services Thursday May 1.

A south county observance will take place from 7 to 7:30 a.m. that day at Salem Lutheran Church, 8343 Gravois Road, at Heege.

The Rev. Richard Rossow, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church, will be the speaker. The church sanctuary will be open the rest of the day for private meditation.

The first National Day of Prayer was called for by President George Washing-ton as a day of prayer and fasting.

President Abraham Lincoln also called for such a day during the Civil War. Congress established it by joint resolution in 1952. President Truman signed it into law and President Reagan determined it to be on the first Thursday of May each year.

Veterans will be recognized by branch of service. They will be thanked for the time given to this country. A group picture will be taken after the service.

An optional breakfast will be served after the service at a cost of $4 — children under 10 are free. Advance tickets for the breakfast are necessary and may be purchased in April at the church office during regular business hours during the week or after the 8 and 9:30 services on Sundays except for Easter Sunday.

Reserved seating is available for teachers from all schools to facilitate prompt dismissal for breakfast and time to get to their classrooms.

Any proceeds from the breakfast will be sent to the USO at Lambert International Airport, the largest airport USO in the world.