Thursday was the National Day of Prayer, and Callawegians took part in the day by hosting a prayer event at the new Justice Center.
The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 through a joint resolution of Congress. President Harry S. Truman signed it into law.
The day has been observed on the first Thursday of May since 1988, when President Ronald Reagan amended the law.
At this year's event, Mike Hibbard, pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, said in his introduction that the event unites Americans and provides an opportunity for prayer.
"If there's anything we need today in our country, it is unity," he said.
Approximately two million people participate in National Day of Prayer events, Hibbard said.
Members of VFW Post 2657 presented the flags at the event, after which Norman and Marty Forman led the crowd in the National Anthem.
Other songs were sung after the National Anthem.
Pastors from churches across Callaway County led prayers for different groups.
Steve Nelson, pastor at Dixie Christian Church, led a prayer for families and schools. The local schools were represented by Mary Safire, assistant administrator at Kingdom Christian Academy.
Tab Leach led a prayer for members of the military.
Gilbert Humphrey, general manager at KJAB Christian Radio, led a prayer for the churches and media.
Norman Forman led a prayer for first responders and members of the law enforcement, which was represented by Callaway County Sheriff Clay Chism.
Brian Gonet, pastor at Hams Prairie Christian Church, led a prayer for the local businesses. The businesses were represented by Tamara Tateosian, executive director of the Callaway Chamber of Commerce.
Hibbard concluded the prayers by leading a dedication for the Justice Center. The judicial system was represented by Judge Carol England.
The National Day of Prayer event concluded with the Formans leading the crowd in more songs.