GALLIPOLIS - For the group that gathered in the shadow of the Gallipolis City Park bandstand Thursday, it was a mix of faith and patriotism.

May 4 was the National Day of Prayer and people of all faiths turned out for the ceremony, which was led by the Rev. Jay Tatum, director of chaplaincy services for Holzer Health Systems

“It has taken on a different flavor,” he said. “For some, citizenship in this country and in heaven are the same thing. Patriotism and faith are blending.”

Tatum started the brief observance by leading the group in “God Bless America.” Then he and other area ministers led the group in prayers. The Revs. Kandy Nuce, Giles Hoover, Doug Stockton and Bob Powell thanked and asked God to bless U.S. troops, government leaders and others.

Last month, Gallia County Commissioners adopted a resolution supporting the National Day of Prayer. Commissioners' President Harold Montgomery was present for the event.

The observance in the city park was not the only one in our area, Tatum said. Events were also conducted at the University of Rio Grande, at the Gen. James M. Gavin Power Plant and other venues, he said.

“I wrote to 90-some pastors in Gallia County with an invitation to join us here or to have their own,” Tatum said. “Of that group, I know a lot of them are having their own services.”