"America needs to wake up and return to the God of our fathers" according to organizers of the 2016 National Day of Prayer Event, which is scheduled for Thursday.

First established in 1952 by President Harry S. Truman, the goal of the event is to encourage people of all faiths to pray for this nation and its leaders.The day has been observed on the first Thursday in May since 1988 when Truman's bill was amended by President Ronald Reagan.The National Day of Prayer Task Force, established in 1972, estimates this year's event will include about 35,000 prayer gatherings throughout the United States.That number will include a gathering in Tamaqua.Hosted by Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, The event will be held at noonThursday in front of Tamaqua Borough Hall, 320 E. Broad St., Tamaqua.All are welcome to attend.