Prayer day may be the last

WASHINGTON – A fixture since President Harry S. Truman signed a bill proclaiming a National Day of Prayer 58 years ago, 2010 could be the last time the event is observed if the White House fails in an appeal against a court ruling that it violates the ban on government-backed religion.

Wisconsin-based U.S. District Court Judge Barbara Crabb ruled April 15 that the federal law that designates a National Day of Prayer violates the establishment clause of the Constitution’s First Amendment.

Despite that ruling, several observances took place Thursday, including at the Pentagon and on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.