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Pelosi Statement on National Day of Prayer and Remembrance

September 16, 2005

Pelosi Statement on National Day of Prayer and Remembrance

Friday, September 16, 2005

Contact: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. â€" House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the victims of Hurricane Katrina:

â€Å"Today, our great nation comes together in prayer. We pray for our fellow Americans we lost over the days during and after Hurricane Katrina, and for those who survived, who are injured, who lost their homes, who lost everything.

â€Å"Today, on this National Day of Prayer and Remembrance, we assure those left behind as the waters rose that they will not been left behind by their American family. They have not lost the amazing grace and wonderful faith, which has sustained us throughout our history. We will be sustained again.

â€Å"The loss across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida is shared by all of us, because we are one nation, whether in time of celebration or pain. Thousands are homeless and have lost so much, too many have died and too many continue to suffer.

â€Å"It is also through our prayers today that we are renewed and reminded of the work ahead. Our actions must reflect our words. Our deeds must be as bold as our prayers. If not, then we have made a mockery of the worshipful act of prayer.

â€Å"The Old Testament prophet, Amos, tells us that God wants justice, not just words of worship. ‘Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream,’ said the prophet.

â€Å"And this must be at the heart of our prayers today. The waters and winds of destruction came down on our fellow citizens on the Gulf Coast. Now, it is our divine charge to bring down the waters of justice; justice in providing for, supporting, rebuilding and serving those who suffer â€" all who suffer.

â€Å"This we will do. We must. In prayer and action I stand with my American family today. Let us send our prayers together and in the days ahead continue in this faithful spirit of unity to bringing justice, hope and comfort to our fellow citizens on the Gulf Coast.”