Biloxi to host National Day of Prayer ceremony Thursday

Brig. Gen. Michael Peterson of Keesler Air Force Base will be the guest speaker Thursday at Biloxi’s National Day of Prayer observance, an event that Mayor A.J. Holloway hopes will attract dozens of spectators to the front steps of City Hall.

The ceremony, which will also honor local servicemen, begins at 1 p.m. in front of City Hall. A one-block section of Lameuse Street in front of City Hall will be closed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday so that bleachers and chairs can be set up for audience members.

“Typically, we’ll have a couple of dozen people attend this event each year,” Holloway said, “but we’re hoping that this year will be a very special occasion. We have a lot to be thankful for these days, with so many of our neighbors and Keesler family members involved in the war.”

The program, which will include spiritual and patriotic songs, is organized each year by Carleen E. Hall, who is secretary of the Gulf Coast Reconciliation Network, and coordinator of the National Day of Prayer for Hancock and Harrison counties.

Among those performing this year will be Biloxi High senior Lauren Broussard, who will sing the National Anthem; Mercy Cross High School students, who will recite the Pledge of Allegiance; and “God Bless the USA” and “God Bless America,” by Pastor David Dunkin of Cedar Lake Christian Assembly.

The list of prayers and leaders:

  • For our nation: Pastor Larry Holmes, First Missionary Baptist
  • For state and local leaders: Pastor Murphy Matheny, Cedar Lake Christian Assembly
  • For the military: Stan Hall, a retired Air Force master sergeant.
  • For homes and families: Pastor Glenn Johnson, Family Of Life Christian Church
  • For schools and youth: Pastor Rick August, Greater Grace Apostolic Assembly
  • For churches and ministry organizations: Bishop Thomas J. Rodi, Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
  • For mass media, cultural and social services: Pastor Kenneth E. Hollins, New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
  • For businesses and commerce: Mr. Mickey Mcelroy’s Harbor House
  • For the imprisoned and persecuted: Pastor Daniel Nguyen Vietnamese Christian Assembly Of God
  • For personal renewal and moral awakening: Rev. Kenneth Broadus, Director Of Gulf Coast Reconciliation Network
  • Benediction: Pastor Jason Johnson, Abundant Life.