Governor LePage Attends 27th Annual Interfaith Prayer Breakfast

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AUGUSTA, ME (05/03/2018) (readMedia)-- The Maine National Guard hosted the 27th Annual Interfaith Prayer Breakfast at the Augusta Armory today to recognize the National Day of Prayer, an annual patriotic event that celebrates the diversity of all faiths and works to build understanding and unity.

Gov. Paul R. LePage and University of Maine Hall of Famer / Former NY Jet and KC Chief Football Player Mike DeVito spoke at today's ceremony and provided remarks to a room of over 100 members of the community, elected officials, and Veterans.

"When war has been upon us-from the birth of our country to the Global War on Terror-Mainers have always been willing to put service before self," LePage said. "The desire and willingness to serve a cause greater than themselves is why we have come together today to offer prayer, it is our solemn duty to keep those who wear our nation's uniform in our thoughts, in our hearts and in our prayers."

The Maine National Guard Prayer Breakfast was instituted 27 years ago in order to celebrate this day, in the spirit that was intended: to encourage prayer, build understanding among faiths, and to acknowledge God's role in our respective and collective lives.

DeVito's remarks focused on teamwork and adversity. He said that both the NFL and the military teach individuals how to overcome that adversity quickly.

"Sometimes, it is the perspective we have on things," said DeVito. "When things go bad, that's the opportunity to put it in perspective. It is knowing that no matter what you throw at me, I have Christ in me, I know adversity. I have a bigger goal I am focused on. Those who earnestly seek peace and justice could take lessons from those who wear the uniform or who have served, and I thank you. "

The concept of a day of prayer dates back to the Continental Congress. President Truman signed a congressional bill that mandated that each subsequent President designate a National Day of Prayer at his/her discretion. President Ronald Reagan's 1983 proclamation stated that the two primary intentions of that day "were that it would be a day when adherents of all great religions could unite in prayer and that it may one day bring renewed respect for God to all the peoples of the world." Later, in 1988, Congress set the annual observance as being the first Thursday in May.

The purpose of the patriotic ceremony is to build understanding and unity among all faiths. The event included prayers for the nation and readings from the New Testament and Tanakh. Today's speakers talked about the connection between faith, hope and leadership.

Attendees enjoyed a hearty breakfast with warm fellowship as they listened to the vocal talents from Hamden Academy Chorus and selections from the 195th Army Band.

During the ceremony attendees were encouraged to celebrate both differences and unity and to acknowledge that they reside in a country where they can freely express their relationship to God in their own way and defend to the fullest, their neighbor's right to do the same.

"Prayer is an interesting thing," said Brig. Gen. Hugh Corbett, Assistant Adjutant General for the Maine Army National Guard. "It can be the result of bad news, it can be the result of good news, it can be reflective or projected towards others, but it occurs because at the most fundamental level, the person saying the prayer has some level of faith."

Cutline: (Photo Number)

7056– Members of the Maine Select Honor Guard prepare to post the colors at the 27th Annual Interfaith Prayer Breakfast hosted by the Maine National Guard at the Augusta Armory. Governor Paul R. LePage and the Assistant Adjutant General for the Maine National Guard, Brig. Gen. Hugh Corbett stand behind the honor guard to pay respect to the state and national colors. (Maine Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Angela Parady.)

7071 – Chaplain (Col.) Andrew Gibson, senior chaplain for the Maine Army National Guard, prepares to lead event attendees in prayer for the nation. Over 100 members of the local community, service members, and state and local government officials came together at the Augusta Armory for the 27th Annual Interfaith Prayer Breakfast to build understanding and unity among all faiths. (Maine Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Angela Parady.)

7160 – University of Maine Hall of Famer / Former NY Jet and KC Chief Football Player Mike DeVito, provides remarks during the 27th Annual Interfaith Prayer Breakfast hosted by the Maine National Guard at the Augusta Armory. DeVito was this year's guest speaker, delivering remarks to more than 100 attendees from the community. (Maine Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Angela Parady.)