Gather with others for breakfast, inspiring message from Chaplain Cyr

  • Published
  • By Mary Lou Gorny
  • Hilltop Times staff
HILL AFB, Utah --  Hill Air Force Base will join with bases all over the country in observing the National Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 24. Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) David Cyr, Air Force deputy chief of chaplains, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C., will speak to those assembled at Club Hill on the theme of "God, Bless America."

"Following in the tradition and heritage of our past leaders, the National Prayer Breakfast gives us a time to reflect and pray for our country. From our founding fathers to our present leaders, prayer has played a pivotal role in forming this great nation," said Chaplain (Capt.) Mark Nevius, 75th Air Base Wing, of the 7:30 a.m. event. "The National Prayer Breakfast allows us to continue this rich heritage."

The tradition, started in 1924, was initiated by the U.S. Senate and among members of the House of Representatives as a way of expressing their spiritually diverse support of the nation's dependence on God in a unified manner in Prayer Breakfast groups. The tradition was passed down after first being established as the Presidential Prayer Breakfast in 1953 by Dwight D. Eisenhower and the members of Congress. The name was changed in 1970 by President Richard M. Nixon to emphasize the purpose of the event.

Military bases join in the event at approximately the same time of year as the Presidential Prayer Breakfast, which draws together the president, cabinet members, the Supreme Court, Congress, the Diplomatic Corps and leaders of business, labor, education and science.

Here at Hill AFB, those in attendance can expect to find a hearty breakfast, good camaraderie, an inspiring message from Chaplain Cyr and music from the Timpanogas Brass Quintet from Brigham Young University.

"This event promotes spiritual wellness and gives all attendees an opportunity to join with others, support our nation and pray for its welfare," Nevius said of the spiritual quality, which is one of the "Four Pillars of Wellness."

The menu will include cheese and egg burritos with a choice of ham or bacon, will also include home fried potatoes, a fresh fruit platter, breakfast pastries, assorted choices of fruit juice, coffee and teas.

Tickets are $5 and are available through the Hill Air Force Base Chapel, by calling (801) 777-2106.

Dress is military uniform of the day.