Senate Concurrent Resolution
No. 32
CHAPTER 44
Relative to National Day of Prayer.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
June 02, 1999.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SCR 32, Baca.
National Day of Prayer.
This measure would recognize the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer and ask that religious faiths of all denominations celebrate the dignity of and respect for all people and bring the message of peace and hope through prayer.
Digest Key
WHEREAS, It is important for children to learn key values that may include their family traditions, an awareness of prayer, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens and children in America’s free society; and
WHEREAS, On April 20, 1999, gunmen opened fire at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, resulting in the death of 15 persons and injuries to numerous others; and
WHEREAS, This Colorado shooting is the fifth major school shooting to occur since the October 1, 1997, incident at Pearl High School in Mississippi where two persons were killed and seven others were wounded; and
WHEREAS, There was a time when schools were safe and we did not have to worry about children or youths being killed in a school incident; and
WHEREAS, The times have changed and many people now believe that this destructive trend results from too many children who have not been taught a moral standard or given a spiritual belief but are daily bombarded by violence, disrespect, and moral scandals; and
WHEREAS, The youth of today must be protected and guided along their way since they face numerous challenges unknown just a few years ago, and our country’s youth will grow up to lead the 21st century; and
WHEREAS, In 1952, President Truman and Congress established the “National Day of Prayer,” and in 1988 Congress set aside the first Thursday in May (May 6th this year) as an annual event for Americans of all faiths to take time to pray for our nation and its leaders; and
WHEREAS, Since 1988, every President has issued a proclamation encouraging Americans to participate in the National Day of Prayer, and people of all faiths are encouraged to participate in this event according to their own traditions; and
WHEREAS, Since 1990, the event “See You at the Pole” is celebrated on the third Wednesday in September (September 15th this year) and is an annual event during which millions of young people proclaim their faith by gathering around their school’s flagpole, and where they pray together to help bring about peace and hope to our nation and state; and
WHEREAS, The time has now come to pray not only for our nation’s leaders but also for our children and youth, and it is vital that we instill upon parents and community leaders the importance of making young people aware of the importance of prayer; and
WHEREAS, Prayers will complement the important work of parents who make it a point to learn about their children’s educational program, spend quality time with their children, and assist in their education; and
WHEREAS, Prayer will complement the important work of teachers and other school personnel who make it a point to learn about the challenges and strengths of each student; and
WHEREAS, Prayer will complement the important work of school and community officials who develop quality safety rules to help maintain safety in our schools and communities; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the first Thursday in May is recognized by California as the National Day of Prayer and that religious faiths of all denominations are asked to celebrate the dignity of and respect for all people and to bring the message of peace and hope through prayer; and be it further
Resolved, That leaders of religious faiths and other persons are encouraged in this celebration to improve the awareness by young people about the importance of prayer, the knowledge of diverse cultures and groups, along with positive ways of interacting, so as to improve the education of our young people, strengthen families, and maintain safe schools and communities.