Prayer celebrated in Rocky Mount

Like thousands of other communities around the U.S., area residents gathered Thursday in Rocky Mount to put aside differences and celebrate unity as part of the National Day of Prayer event.

The ceremony held Thursday afternoon outside in the courtyard at Rocky Mount City Hall was graced with cloudless skies and temperatures in the mid-80s. Attendees at the event sought out the shade provided by the trees that ring the courtyard.

Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson read a proclamation declaring May 1, 2025 as the National Day of Prayer.

The proclaimation said it is a day “in which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation in churches, in groups and as individuals.”