PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Today marks the National Day of Prayer.
It’s been observed every year on the first Thursday of May since 1952. Congress designated the day as one for people to “turn to God in prayer and meditation.”
President Donald Trump spoke at a dinner Wednesday night in front of more than 100 faith leaders from different religions.
Trump says he mourns for people of all faiths targeted by violence and hate because of their religion.
“In recent weeks, people of faith around the world have faced terrible hardship. All of us in this room send our love and prayers to the Jewish americans wounded at the Chabad of Poway shooting in California.so tragic, so horrible,” Trump said.
Trump also mentioned the church bombings in Sri Lanka, the mosque attacks in New Zealand and the three historically black churches recently burned in Louisiana.
Later Thursday morning, the president and First Lady Melania Trump will participate in a National Day of Prayer service.
Churches and cities in our Hampton Roads were scheduled to host events for the National Day of Prayer, including Chesapake and Virginia Beach.
The Kiwanis Clubs of South Hampton Roads hosted an annual prayer breakfast at the Founders Inn in Virginia Beach.
The guest speaker is Vice Admr. William “Dean” Lee, who served 36 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, was the guest speaker.
In Chesapeake, Mayor Rick West will be on-hand for a prayer service at the city hall courtyard at 12:15 p.m. The service will be lead by local pastors.