Scores of people assembled at the noon hour Thursday to observe the National Day of Prayer, with people of all denominations joining in prayer for the nation and families.“So goes the family, so goes the nation,” said DeWayne Howard of Bridges of Hope and coordinator of the local Day of Prayer observance, noting parents have a huge responsibility in raising their children. “It is not the church’s responsibility, nor the school’s nor the government’s. It is the responsibility of the parents to raise their children.”Sherry Johnson of Friendship Baptist noted some parents miss the mark in educating their children on the path to follow.“A lot of children are not brought up and shown the proper way to go,” Johnson said.David Cook of Bridges of Hope prayed that churches standing united could positively influence children and adults in the community.“Unite the churches, Father,” Cook prayed in his prayer for the church.