A crowd gathered around the steps of the County Courthouse at noon Thursday, May 6 to celebrate the National Day of Prayer.

Thursday’s observance marked the 39th year Americans have gathered together to pray for the nation’s leaders, protectors, children, and community.

Clermont County Commissioner Bob Proud was the emcee for the event and he vowed that despite radio reports that the 2010 gathering would be the last National Day of Prayer, the county would continue to gather on the first Thursday in May.