By Rachel Olsen
On Friday, Sept. 14, the National Day of Remembrance and Prayer, people found comfort and peace in a variety of ways and places.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints conducted a memorial service in response to President George W. Bush”s declaration for a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance. The services were broadcast from the Tabernacle on Friday all over the nation, at noon, in four times zones.
Throughout the service, church leaders, in prayer and supplication, asked those present to remember the victims, rescuers and their families.
President Gordon B. Hinckley, spoke at the memorial of the afflicted and America.
“Our treasured land has been brought down into sorrow through unbelievable acts of infamy. We cannot call back the dead or ease the pains of the wounded, but at this solemn hour we call upon our Eternal Father to bring comfort, solace and reassurance to those who have suffered much.
“We love this, our native land, one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all,” he said.
Music was also chosen throughout the service that celebrated America. Directly before the benediction, in beautiful melody, the choir and congregation joined together to sing “America the Beautiful”.
“It brought tears to my eyes to hear so many people in the Marriott Center and Tabernacle join with the choir in singing ”American the Beautiful,”” said Kimberly Josephson, 19, a senior from Richland, Wash., majoring in psychology.
The St. Francis Catholic Church in Orem also had services Friday. Services were held in both English and Spanish.
In Utah Valley a Remembrance Vigil was also conducted Friday. Starting at Pioneer Park in Provo, participants walked to the County Building where a program, including songwriter Cherie Call and playwright Tim Slover, took place.
Participants walked with flashlights since open flames were not permitted on the County Building grounds.
In addition, Friday was the day for a national candlelight vigil. People were asked at 7:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, that they step outside their houses and light a candle. Drivers were asked to pull over, with their headlights on.
Rebecca Savage, 20, a junior from Henderson, Nev., majoring in history, said, “A bunch of my friends and I stepped outside for the candlelight vigil. The whole sight was amazing. I have been so impressed that people are united, that everyone is acting for the good of the nation and turning to God for comfort.”
