USECC Director At Katrina National Day Of Prayer   Home

United States Emergency Chaplains Corps Executive Director Steve Holden received an invitation from the White House to attend the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the victims of Hurricane Katrina Friday, September 16, 2005.  The event was held at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.  Chaplain Holden was already on the ground in Louisiana and flew to the nations capitol to attend the event. 

The keynote speaker was Rev TD Jakes with 11 other ministers participating.  Music was provided by the Cathedral Choirs, the United States Air Force Chamber Orchestra, the Metropolitan Baptist Church and several talented soloist.  President Bush also gave very heartfelt and genuine remarks.  It was evident the nations Commander in Chief truly grieved for the loss of his people in this time of great tragedy. 

Chaplain Holden was seated in the clergy section, and upon completion of the service was able to greet Vice President Cheney and his wife Lynn, as well as the President and First Lady Laura Bush as they exited the Cathedral.  The President paused to shake hands with several people and spoke with Chaplain Holden and expressed his appreciation for his work in the area.  When asked what does one say to the President of the United States in that setting, Chaplain Holden replied "I simply thanked him for his leadership and reminded him that he was not walking alone.  We are praying for you and upholding you in the daily decisions you make as our President.  We support you, we are proud of you and may God continue to bless you."

Holden went on to say that the President looked him in the eye and was very genuine in his comments and remarks.  "It has been a trying time for him in the midst of other political issues and we need to continue to hold him in prayer as we should any leader of our country."  "It was an honor for me to represent the USECC at this event and add our voice of prayer at this time." 

From there, it was back to Louisiana and response mode in our efforts to provide chaplain services to the first responders and assisting community clergy.