Day of prayer is a long-held tradition

Brian J. Reilly of Lake Villa ("Day of Payer is a way to pander votes," May 5) needs to brush up on his history.

President Jefferson's remark about a "wall of separation between church and state" was in a letter sent to a religious group ensuring them of their continued freedom to practice their faith. But even before that, presidents Washington, Adams, and Jefferson himself, as well as virtually all presidents since, have declared days of prayer and thanksgiving for various occasions and purposes.

The annual National Day of Prayer is a non-partisan event fully in keeping with America's long-held traditions and founding principles. Mr. Reilly's reaction to it is illustrative of his evident intolerance for the religious faiths of over 90 percent of Americans.

Paul T. Mitchell Hainesville