Barry Spiker, director of Grove City Public Works, remembered what a hard winter it was in Grove City this past year. Between salting the roads, snow removal and fixing water line breaks, he and his 12-person crew worked a lot of overtime and went through a lot of salt to take care of the borough.

During the National Day of Prayer event held at noon Thursday in Grove City Memorial Park, the borough remembered that as well.

"We started to recognize different people in the community as well as pray for our nation," said Phyllis Jean Buchanan, coordinator for Grove City's observance of National Day of Prayer. "One of our local prayer focuses this year was the snow removal crew. We prayed for the snow removal crews because, man, they really earned their keep."

Spiker, who was at the event in Keystone Pavilion, said his department was touched by the decision to pray for them.

"When we found out about it, they all were really moved by that," he said, adding that many times it's complaints that the department hears. "To know that people are actually praying for you meant a lot to me. I know people out there sometimes say thank you, but this is something more."

The something more included praying for local leadership such as township supervisors, Grove City borough council president, the Grove City Chamber of Commerce executive director and members of the local chapter of the Army National Guard, as well as praying for the nation's leadership and peace.

"Probably the biggest thing we can use prayer for is the safety for the guys out there working on the road year round," said Liberty Township Supervisor Bob Gregg. "I think we've been pretty fortunate, at least in our township. We get good support. But this is good too."

Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Wentling of Jackson Center, who heads up the local chapter of the Army National Guard, agreed.

"Its important to a soldier that he knows the community supports him. When the people rally behind you, it gives a meaning and purpose to what you do," he said.

The sergeant and three of his men performed a color guard march, presenting the U.S. and state flags at the beginning of the hour-long event, which was attended by about 100 people.

"I was quite pleased. Like I say, it goes a long way when someone hears a positive comment and is thinking of you," Spiker said.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Sherris Moreira-Byers at sbyers@sharonherald.com

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