Today at noon I attended a memorial service (as part of the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance), at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which was broadcast via satellite around the nation to all Stake Centers where people gathered to pay tribute to those in distress. Prayers were offered through word and song and comforting scriptures were read. It was a beautiful service. President Gordon B. Hinckley conducted and offered one of the prayers, Presidents Thomas S. Monson and James E. Faust also offered prayers, and the Tabernacle Choir sang. There were also congregational hymns in which everyone stood and sang together. A moment of silence was also a part of the service to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives, for those who have lost loved ones, for those in the rescue efforts, and for all who have been affected by this tragedy.

As I drove home today, everywhere I looked there was a flag flying or red, white, and blue of some sort on all the streets. Some of the casinos I passed had "God Bless America" up in lights with flags waving in the background. These lights are usually used for advertising, but today they they were used to honor our country and her people and to show support. I am very proud of how our nation has pulled together. We are so blessed to have the freedoms that we do in this country and the means and ability to help each other out. We are truly a blessed nation!