By Dave Thompson
Bismarck, ND – Hundreds of people came to the North Dakota State Capitol's Memorial Hall this afternoon for a short noontime prayer service.
High school choirs and bands from Bismarck provided the music -- and two National Guard chaplains provided scripture readings and prayer.
North Dakota Governor John Hoeven organized the prayer service:
"There's no question that there's hurting going on in our land now. We're strong and we are resolute and we will overcome."
Most of the people attending the service waved U-S flags. And some broke into "God Bless America" as the service ended.
The service was just one of many held across the region, and the country, at about noon today as part of the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance in response to this week's terrorist attacks.
Hoeven says the country needs a day to join together and begin the healing process. The Governor authorized the release of state employees -- without the loss of pay or benefits -- to attend memorial services in their communities.