The National Day of Prayer took a unique twist on May 7 with the event being included as part of Franklin County’s celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The Franklin County TN 250 celebration was held at the old Franklin County High School football field, 839 Dinah Shore Blvd., from 4-8 p.m. with the National Day of Prayer program taking place at 6 p.m.

The large-scale ceremony this year was provided through a special grant.

Along with the traditional various prayers that are administered over multiple facets of the community, the event also offered food trucks, face-painting, a kids zone, free barbecue, popcorn, soft drinks and bottled water and live entertainment featuring performances by The Orange Charlie Band and The Stagger Moon Band.

Items were given away, and booths from local nonprofit organizations were on hand.

A special mural, highlighting the rich, local history of Franklin County, was also revealed and will be hung in the Franklin County Annex Building between the offices of the mayor and the Election Commission.

The welcoming speech to the event was delivered by Franklin County Planning and Zoning Director Eric Bradford, and the posting of the colors was performed by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

Franklin County Mayor Chris Guess led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Dr. Jerry Anderson sang the national anthem, followed by Jada and Jena Hand singing “America the Beautiful.”

Summer-Grace Kelly, a 4-H student, was the first to speak, and she stated how important her faith was to her. She added that the legacy she will someday be leaving behind was passed down to her through previous generations.

LZ Johnson, minister from Cowan First Baptist Church, delivered the prayer for the churches. He stated that his mind drifted back to the foundation of the nation, and he asked for guidance and strength throughout the nation to stand firm in unity, to reflect the love of God and to see the worth of every person.

Praying for government and justice was Judge David Stewart, who asked for blessings over all elected officials. He also asked that they always have love and humility in their hearts, that they be granted wisdom and be blessed with the energy to work for the betterment of their communities.

Stewart prayed that they be protected from harm, temptations and distractions and that they be surrounded with strength and grace so they are confident as they carry out their duties.

Franklin County Sheriff Tim Fuller extended a prayer over the military, firemen, police, emergency medical services and medical personnel.

Fuller asked for guidance and protection over the professionals leading the fight in the first-responder arena.

He asked for blessings for all emergency personnel for their families and recognized the highstress situations that jobs of that caliber can bring, not only to the public servants but to their families and communities.

Praying for education was Eric Vanzant, Campora Family Resource Center director.

He first thanked God and gave him praise for unconditional love and then lifted up a prayer for education across the nation, states and communities.

Vanzant prayed for those in authority, the teachers, the students and the parents and that good is seen in every child and every child’s need is met.

Praying for higher education was the University of the South’s Very Rev. Chris Epperson, who prayed that all colleges and universities be blessed and be lively centers of learning, dialogue, new discoveries and sound wisdom.

Epperson asked that they be a place of understanding for the nation and asked for guidance through the dark days so people may seek and follow God during those times.

Praying for family was Pastor Tim Parsons from the Estill Springs Church of Nazarene.

Parsons prayed that parents and guardians would lead with wisdom, humility and faith. He prayed that husbands and fathers would love well and lead with courage, that families would prioritize faith, for healthy marriages and relationships, for unity and forgiveness within families and for health and protection for children.

He lifted up each family, regardless of status, and asked that each be blessed with wisdom, courage, forgiveness, health and grace.

Saying a prayer over media was Chris Wiseman from WZYX — Cowan.

Wiseman lifted up the voices of the platforms that serve as the media for the community and the nation. He asked that the media be a source of clarity, compassion and understanding.

Wiseman prayed that their work would inform responsibly, encourage hope and reflect honesty. He asked that those who report on the hard stories be protected and that all media stands by the truth, even if it’s not popular.

Praying for business was Lisa Wallace from Bennett’s Pharmacy. She gave thanks for the opportunity to be a small-business owner and prayed for wisdom and guidance to lead staff in the right direction, to treat everyone with respect, to keep their businesses on track and to maintain perseverance so as to carry out business in a way that would glorify God.

Musical entertainment throughout the prayer segment of the event was provided by the Winchester Christian Academy Band, and when prayers were concluded, Jada and Jena Hand closed by singing “Amazing Grace.”

Closing comments and the proclamation were delivered by Guess.

“Who could live through a day like today and not be a believer?” Guess asked. “What a wonderful day. Franklin County is Franklin County for a reason.

“Yes, we do have beautiful rivers, lakes, mountains, but what makes Franklin County are the people of Franklin County, and I suspect it’s always been that way.

“There’s a lot of ugly in the world, and there’s a lot of negativity, so I think we need to stop and give thanks to be able to live in the greatest county in the greatest state in the greatest country in the world.”

Following his closing remarks, Guess read the proclamation of the National Day of Prayer and invited attendees to stay as long as they pleased.

County Commissioner Johnny Hand closed out the ceremony with his rendition of “God Bless the USA,” and community members throughout the grandstands waved American flags in unison during the song in a display of patriotism and unity.