GISTINA TOLLIVER and John Ortiz hold hands in prayer at the Marcus Bottom National Day of Prayer site at Bowmar Avenue and Halls Ferry Road Thursday.(The Vicksburg Post/MELANIE DUNCAN)

[05/03/02]Noisy lunch-hour traffic and the noon heat didn’t deter those gathered outdoors in Vicksburg Thursday to observe the National Day of Prayer.

Hundreds across the city gave up their lunch hours to pray for the nation, the state and their communities.

In the first National Day of Prayer since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks stunned the nation and sent troops to war, prayers for the military and government served as an undertone in ceremonies throughout the city from Riverfront Park to Waterways Experiment Station. More than 60 people lined the steps of City Hall to pray for national, state and local leaders as well as firemen, policemen and other public servants.

“It was a very moving time it was wonderful,” said Vicksburg Fire Department Deputy Chief Rose Shaifer. Also in the service, coordinated by John Carroll, special prayers were said for firemen and EMS personnel across the country, asking those in attendance to pray for those who sacrificed their lives to save others.

Members of the Vicksburg Fire Department were at City Hall and several of the other 11 designated sites.

Shaifer said she believes the prayers indicated the events of Sept. 11 influenced this year’s services.

“We don’t take anything for granted anymore,” she said. “It made us realize life is so precious and it can be gone in the blink of an eye.”

Attendants also offered prayers to end continued segregation in today’s society as well as prayers for churches and the nation’s youth.

About 40 people joined hands in a prayer circle at Marcus Bottom, as they petitioned specific needs in Vicksburg. The economy, area jobs, unemployment and business in the area were a focus of concern in the ceremony, led by coordinator Mike Fields.

Fields urged those in attendance to remember the individuals from every background, culture and denomination who united for the occasion.

“Today is a tremendous testimony to unity all over the country … there are no barriers between us as we come together under one purpose,” said Fields.

The National Day of Prayer was established as an annual event in 1952 and has been observed in Vicksburg since 1993.