LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 65th Annual observance of the
National Day of Prayer in the State of New York, Thursday, May 5, 2016

WHEREAS, In the course of the evolving development of this great Empire
State, if the ingredients of shared concern and responsive endeavor
combine in the symmetry of a commitment to governance, there have
emerged among the facilities of the State of New York certain events
which warrant commemoration; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commemorate the 65th Annual observance of the National Day of Prayer in
the State of New York, on Thursday, May 5, 2016; this year's theme is
"Wake Up America", emphasizing the need for individuals, corporately and
individually, to return to the God of Fathers in reverence for His Holy
name; and
WHEREAS, The 65th Annual National Day of Prayer will have profound
significance as millions of Americans join together to pray at thousands
of events across the county; and
WHEREAS, Prayer has always been an important part of our nation's
heritage; National Day of Prayer is a tradition first proclaimed by the
Continental Congress in 1775, when John Hancock signed the congressional
order establishing the first Day of Prayer; and
WHEREAS, In keeping with our founding fathers' faith, civic prayers
and national days of prayer have a long and venerable history in our
constitutional republic; in 1983, in MARSH V. CHAMBERS, the Supreme
Court affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions
with prayer, a tradition that is honored by the New York State Senate;
and
WHEREAS, The observance of a National Day of Prayer became the law of
the land in 1952 when a resolution asking people "to turn to God in
prayer and meditation," was unanimously passed by Congress and was
signed by President Harry Truman; and
WHEREAS, An amendment to this law was signed by President Ronald Reag-
an in 1988, designating the first Thursday in May as the annual Day of
Prayer; and
WHEREAS, Since our nation's earliest days, Americans have prayed as a
way of guiding, uniting, and healing; in times of peace and prosperity,
tragedy and joy, prayer has provided comfort and sustenance; and
WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper to give thanks to God by observing
this National Day of Prayer in New York State on May 5, 2016, when all
may acknowledge our blessings and express gratitude for them, while
recognizing the need for strengthening religious and moral values in our
State and nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 65th consecutive observance of the National Day of Pray-
er in the State of New York on Thursday, May 5, 2016, and to urge the
citizens of New York to observe this day in ways appropriate to its
importance and significance; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Stephen P. Lalor, Chairman, Albany National Day of
Prayer Task Force.