WASHINGTON, N.C. (WITN) -Thursday was National Day of Prayer and several cities around the east came together to pray for the nation but one city took it a step further by also saying a prayer for the fallen officers killed in Charlotte Monday.

People from all walks of life could be seen belting out songs of praise at Mac Hodges Festival Park in Washington Thursday evening as they came together for National Day of Prayer.

The annual day of prayer is held on the first Thursday of May.

Washington Mayor Donald Sadler says the observance gives people a chance to pray for the nation as well as those protecting communities.

“It’s important for the community to come together and pray for the nation also law enforcement agencies,” Sadler said.

Sadler feels that National Day of Prayer is always a moment to pray for healing across the nation, but he says he prayed even harder this year as a former police officer following Monday’s shooting in Charlotte that killed four law enforcement officers.

“Today was great to have National Day of Prayer to show law enforcement officers that we do support them, love them and care them and their families,” Sadler said. “I’ve been there so I know what it’s like.”

Sadler says his prayers go out to the families of all four officers who died Monday.