COMMUNITY EVENT
Cry Out America, a nationwide prayer initiative, will be held at Carol’s Park in downtown Gray on Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. to pray and give thanks to those who put their lives on the line daily and remember those who died on Sept. 11, 2001.
Debra Hall, Cry Out America coordinator, said she’s excited about the event. She said if people want to be comfortable during the event, they should bring a folding chair along. She said she enjoys the event each year and the impact it has on those in Jones County.
“Cry Out America is an event we do every year, and it’s held on Patriot Day, which is Sept. 11,” Hall said. “We’re really excited about it, because this is where we honor our military and veterans, our first responders and we pray for America. We feel this is very important.”
She said the name Cry Out America comes from Joel 1:14. She said people cried out to the Lord, and that’s where the title is from. She said Cry Out America is important for Jones County, because people expect it and it brings the community together for a good cause.
“We hope we have a good turnout of first responders and military, so that we can honor them. They deserve that. They put their lives on the line just like Jesus Christ put His life on the cross to save mankind from our sins. We want them to have a moment to be recognized, thanked and blessed.”
The coordinator said the community enjoys the event each year, and she hopes a lot of people show up even though the event is on a Sunday evening. She said she can’t think of a better way to end a weekend.
“We don’t do anything major, but we are happy to be able to recognize people who help others on this day,” she said. “They give so much, and it’s just a little thing we can do to show them our appreciation. “
Hall said Sept. 11 is a very important day of remembrance. She said it’s a day to slow down and stop. She said people need to be thankful for those who risk their lives in situations like that day, and to give thanks to God for blessing the U.S. She said she can’t wait to see everyone that evening.
“My favorite thing about Cry Out America is God’s faithfulness to bring people together,” Hall said. “Anybody who is a first responder, active military, retired military, or wounded military, we want you to come. We just want to say thank you.”
