Bakersfield participates in National Day of Prayer
A large crowd gathered at noon Thursday near the Liberty Bell in downtown Bakersfield to take part in National Day of Prayer.
Groups of people bowed their heads to pray for government and other subjects. Some participated in a demonstration against abortion amid a friendly atmosphere of fellowship.
The event, celebrated every year on the first Thursday of May, included a giant U.S. flag hoisted above the gathering using a Bakersfield Fire Department aerial ladder. It required the closure of one lane of eastbound Truxtun Avenue.
BFD Battalion Chief Alexander Clark said the department has joined National Day of Prayer events for years, as it does with many religious and non-religious events and fundraisers around town.
"We try to help out the community in all ways that we can," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Yahoo
Trump ally wins presidential election in Poland: 6 things to know
Poland elected a conservative nationalist, Karol Nawrocki, to lead the country as its next president, in an election that could have broad implications for the future of Europe Nawrocki is set to take office Aug. 6. Here's what to know about the election: President Trump hosted Nawrocki at the White House last month, in a sign of support shortly before the election. The two men posed for photos, shaking hands and giving a thumbs-up gesture in the Oval Office. Nawrocki told the Polish TV station TV Republika that Trump told him, 'you will win,' Reuters reported. 'I read it as a kind of wish for my success in the upcoming elections, and also awareness of it, and after this whole day, I can say that the American administration is aware of what is happening in Poland,' Nawrocki added at the time. The interview came after Nawrocki attended the National Day of Prayer at the White House. The Trump administration has signaled its support for the right-wing candidate in other ways. When the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) hosted its first meeting in Poland last week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem gave a clear endorsement of the conservative candidate. 'I just had the opportunity to meet with Karol, and listen: He needs to be the next president of Poland. Do you understand me?' she said at the start of her speech. 'We need you to elect the right leader,' Noem added. 'You will be the leaders that will turn Europe back to conservative values.' She also seemed to imply Nawrocki's election would strengthen the country's relationship with the U.S. 'If you [elect] a leader that will work with President Donald J. Trump, the Polish people will have an ally strong that will ensure that you will be able to fight off enemies that do not share your values,' Noem said. 'You will have strong borders and protect your communities and keep them safe, and ensure that your citizens are respected every single day,' she added. 'You will continue to have a U.S. presence here, a military presence. And you will have equipment that is American-made, that is high-quality.' Nawrocki, 42, is a conservative historian with no previous political experience. He narrowly defeated the liberal candidate, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, netting 50.89 percent of the vote. The victory is seen as a sign of the enduring appeal of right-wing populism and nationalist rhetoric in Europe. Nawrocki built his campaign on a patriotic message, espousing traditional Catholic values and vowing to defend Poland's sovereignty from Germany and other larger European nations. 'Poland remains a deeply divided country,' Jacek Kucharczyk, the president of the Polish Institute of Public Affairs, told The Associated Press. 'Although the electoral turnout was highest ever in history of presidential elections, Mr. Nawrocki's margin of victory is very small, which means that half of Poland will be cheering his presidency, whereas half of Poland, the other half, remains deeply worried or even disturbed,' Kucharczyk added. The election could have implications for the country's relationship with Ukraine. Nawrocki has signaled support for Ukraine's defense against Russia, but he opposes Ukraine's membership in NATO and has echoed some of the Trump administration's rhetoric in his approach to the country. He has questioned the long-term cost of aid to the country, in particular its refugees, and has suggested Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not sufficiently grateful for Poland's support. The election marks a setback for the European Union, as Nawrocki embraces nationalist ideology and criticizes 'overreach' by the EU into Poland's internal affairs, including its policies concerning judicial reforms and migration. 'This is very bad news for the European Union as well as Poland's key European partners, both Germany and France as well as Ukraine,' Kucharczyk said. 'Mr. Nawrocki is well known for his Eurosceptic stand. He's opposed to deepening European integration and European cooperation. He is also opposed to Ukraine's NATO membership,' he added. The Associated Press contributed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
02-06-2025
- The Hill
Trump ally wins presidential election in Poland: 6 things to know
Poland elected a conservative nationalist, Karol Nawrocki, to lead the country as its next president, in an election that could have broad implications for the future of Europe Nawrocki is set to take office on Aug. 6. Here's what to know about the election: Visit with Trump last month President Trump hosted Nawrocki at the White House last month, in a sign of support shortly before the election. The two men posed for photos, shaking hands and giving a thumbs-up gesture in the Oval Office. Nawrocki told private broadcaster TV Republika after the meeting that Trump told him, 'you will win,' Reuters reported at the time. 'I read it as a kind of wish for my success in the upcoming elections, and also awareness of it, and after this whole day I can say that the American administration is aware of what is happening in Poland,' Nawrocki added at the time. The interview came after Nawrocki attended the National Day of Prayer at the White House. CPAC endorsement The Trump administration has signaled its support for the right-wing candidate in other ways. When the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) hosted its first meeting in Poland last week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem gave a clear endorsement of the conservative candidate. 'I just had the opportunity to meet with Karol and listen: He needs to be the next president of Poland. Do you understand me?' she said at the start of her speech. 'We need you to elect the right leader,' Noem added. 'You will be the leaders that will turn Europe back to conservative values.' She also seemed to imply that Nawrocki's election would strengthen the country's relationship with the U.S. 'If you (elect) a leader that will work with President Donald J. Trump, the Polish people will have an ally strong that will ensure that you will be able to fight off enemies that do not share your values,' Noem said. 'You will have strong borders and protect your communities and keep them safe, and ensure that your citizens are respected every single day,' she added. 'You will continue to have a U.S. presence here, a military presence. And you will have equipment that is American-made, that is high quality.' No political experience Nawrocki, 42, is a conservative historian with no previous political experience. He narrowly defeated the liberal candidate, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, with 50.89 percent of the vote. Rising conservative populism The victory is seen as a sign of the enduring appeal of right-wing populism and nationalist rhetoric in Europe. Nawrocki built his campaign on a patriotic message, espousing traditional Catholic values and vowing to defend Poland's sovereignty from Germany and other larger European nations. 'Poland remains a deeply divided country,' Jacek Kucharczyk, the president of the Polish Institute of Public Affairs, told The Associated Press. 'Although the electoral turnout was highest ever in history of presidential elections, Mr. Nawrocki's margin of victory is very small, which means that half of Poland will be cheering his presidency, whereas half of Poland, the other half, remains deeply worried or even disturbed,' Kucharczyk added. Implications for Ukraine The election could have implications for the country's relationship with Ukraine. Nawrocki has signaled support for Ukraine's defense against Russia, but he opposes Ukraine's membership in NATO and has echoed some of the Trump administration's rhetoric in his approach to the country. He has questioned the long-term cost of aid to the country, in particular its refugees, and has suggested Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not sufficiently grateful for Poland's support. Setback for EU The election marks a setback for the European Union, as Nawrocki embraces nationalist ideology and criticizes so-called overreach by the EU into Poland's internal affairs, including its policies concerning judicial reforms and migration. 'This is very bad news for the European Union as well as Poland's key European partners, both Germany and France as well as Ukraine,' Kucharczyk said. 'Mr. Nawrocki is well known for his Eurosceptic stand. He's opposed to deepening European integration and European cooperation. He is also opposed to Ukraine's NATO membership,' he added. The Associated Press contributed.
Fox News
01-06-2025
- Fox News
America is rediscovering its soul and reviving the sacred
Faith is making a comeback in America. This is not a statement of hope, but one rooted in research, confirmed by cultural observation, and underscored by national conversations from the White House to the locker room. Recent findings from the Barna Group reflect a spiritual resurgence that is both unexpected and undeniable. According to their data, more Americans—particularly Millennials and Gen Z—are returning to church, reading Scripture, and expressing a desire for spiritual depth. What was once considered a post-Christian society is now showing signs of rediscovering its soul. This reawakening begins in the home. The Barna study reveals a growing hunger among families to center life around transcendent values. The notion of God is no longer confined to stained-glass windows or whispered prayers at bedtime—it is returning to the dinner table, to everyday conversation, and to the moral compass guiding how parents raise their children. Amid cultural chaos, many households are reclaiming their role as the first sanctuary, the first seminary, and the first school of truth. We are also witnessing faith step boldly back into the public square. From the reestablishment of the White House Faith Office to proclamations such as President Trump's deeply reverent Easter statement—arguably the boldest and most Christ-exalting language ever issued from the executive branch—faith is once again shaping the national dialogue. The National Day of Prayer is no longer a symbolic moment; it is an echo of America's founding covenant. This is not about partisanship—it is about spiritual substance becoming part of our civic discourse. But faith is not only being expressed in private homes and public offices. It is emerging in every sector of society. Consider the arts and entertainment world: from American Idol contestants boldly singing worship songs to NFL players kneeling in prayer before and after games, the name of Jesus is being lifted—not with fanfare, but with authenticity. These moments are no longer anomalies. They are becoming patterns. From postgame interviews to acceptance speeches, we are seeing athletes, artists, and cultural figures not just nod to faith, but name their Savior. What we are witnessing is a pushback—not just against unbridled secularism, but against a deeper threat: secular totalitarianism. A culture that once told people to keep their faith private now finds itself enriched by public expressions of belief. Why? Because when secularism becomes dogma, liberty becomes endangered. And in this moment, Americans of all backgrounds are realizing that religious liberty is the final firewall protecting our freedom. This resurgence is not only a victory for people of faith—it is a victory for all people. A nation rooted in a Judeo-Christian moral framework—where the rights of individuals are endowed by God, not granted by government—is a nation that guarantees freedom of conscience, even for those who disagree. It is precisely because of this framework that the atheist, the agnostic, and the seeker can speak freely. This is what sets America apart. Even cultural voices once perceived as indifferent to faith are reexamining their foundations. Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman has recently acknowledged a belief in Christ. Joe Rogan, whose podcast reaches millions, is exploring matters of spirituality and ultimate truth. We are living in a moment where scientists, philosophers, and artists are converging on something ancient: belief. We are entering what can only be described as an age of religious enlightenment—a season in which faith and reason are no longer in tension, but in tandem. This is the age of Aquinas and Augustine, of Kierkegaard and Lewis, of Tolkien, Lennox, Wright, and others. An age where orthodoxy is not an obstacle but a lifeline. Young men and women are hungry for truth, tired of relativism, and ready for something real. This is the pendulum swinging back. Not toward nostalgia—but toward a rediscovery of eternal absolutes. We must celebrate this moment. But we must also steward it. Because what is being built today may very well become the foundation for the America our children inherit tomorrow.
