A National Day of Prayer and Remembrance
Bismarck, North Dakota
September 14, 2001
And we'll begin w/ our National Anthem.
(Played by Bismarck High School Wind Ensemble)
Governor John Hoeven:
Today America unites in prayer and remembrance for the victims of the terrorist attack on Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001. These terrorist attacks have profoundly changed our nation and our lives. North Dakota joins wit America in a day of prayer and remembrance for the victims, families, colleagues and friends around the world who are suffering from this tragic loss. May our prayers and sympathy in North Dakota bring hope, strength & healing for our great state & our great country.
God Bless America.
Now if you would, please join with me in reciting our Pledge of Allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with Liberty & Justice for all.
"May the Lord Bless You and Keep You"
Sung by St. Mary's Central High School Concert Choir.
Chaplain (LT. Col.) Jeff Franco:
Hear these words from Psalm 46: God is our refuge & strength; a very present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the depths of the sea, though its waters roar and foam & tremble w/ its tumult, the Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Let us pray.
God of compassion and hope, we turn our tearful eyes to you, looking to you to be the light in this dark time in our nation's history. The sites we have witnessed these past few days have made us aware of the overwhelming power of evil forces that work in our world. They cause us to be afraid and to question our ability to live in peace and security. More importantly, oh Lord, bring to the forefront of our memory the scenes we have likewise witnessed, through the power of goodness expressed throughout our land and around our country. Oh Lord, give us the faith to put more trust in the power of good, than the power of evil. And so, help us to look for ways to bring something noble & honorable & good from these terrible deeds. Amen.
Chaplain (Major) Brian Donahue:
Psalm 140: Deliver me, oh Lord, from evil men, preserve me from violent men, from those who devise evil in their hearts & stir up wars everyday. Save me, oh Lord, from the hands of the wicked, preserve me from violent men, who plan to trip up my feet. The proud who have hidden a trap for me, they have spread cords for a net, by the waste side, they have laid snares for me. Grant not, oh Lord, the desires of the wicked further not their plans. I know that the Lord renders justice to the afflicted, judgement to the poor, surely the just shall give thanks to your name, the upright shall dwell in your presence. Let us pray.
Lord our God, we pray this day for all the victims of war raged against our country. We pray for those who have died, bring them the glory of your presence. We pray for the injured, bring them the healing they require. We pray for the families, relatives & friends or those who have died or are injured, bring them your comfort & consolation. We pray for those engaged in rescue & recovery, give them strength & hope. We pray for the children of our great nation, guard them from evil & send your angels to protect them. Lord our God, we pray for the members of our armed forces throughout the world, in the air, on land & at sea. Oh Lord, protect them in their mission & keep them safe, as they defend our country against all enemies of peace & justice. Loving God, send your spirit of wisdom, strength & confidence upon the President of the United States, as he leads our country and the world toward a new world of peace, security, liberty, and justice for all. Amen.
Sing God Bless America.
St. Mary's Central High School Concert Choir.
Governor John Hoeven:
Again, we appreciate all of you coming this morning. There is no question that there is hurting going on in our land now, we are strong, we are resolute, and we will overcome.
