DAPHNE, Ala. — While the federal courts continue debating its constitutionality, a National Day of Prayer Service will proceed as scheduled at noon Thursday on the lawn of Daphne City Hall.

“I wouldn’t dream of missing it,” said Samantha Collier, 35, of Daphne, who has taken part in the national observance in some form since she was a junior in high school in Georgia.

“It’s important to me to do this, and I am so grateful the community I chose to call home makes this a priority for its residents,” Collier said.

The event, which is open to the public, will feature musical performances by Daphne Elementary students and a slate of speakers from across the community.

Rev. Steve Rascoe of Daphne United Methodist Church will speak, as will Daphne Mayor Fred Small, musician Mark Harris, Judge Randy Davis,

U.S. Army Ret. Col. Glenn D. Frazier, Daphne District 5 Councilman Ron Scott, author Joe Hilley, Drexel Gilbert, Baldwin County Board of Education President Tracy Roberts, Pastor Joel Faircloth of Family Faith Fellowship, Smith Memorial AME Church’s Pastor Cleitis Walker and Rev. Michael Ramsey.

U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb in Wisconsin ruled on April 15 that a federal proclamation supporting the 59th annual observance violates the constitutional ban on government-backed prayer. “It’s sole purpose is to encourage all citizens to engage in prayer, an inherently religious exercise that serves no secular function,” Crabb wrote in her ruling.

According to its official Web site, the mission of the National Day of Prayer Task Force is to “communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family.”

The group also claims its tradition predates the nation’s founding, citing the Continental Congress’ 1775 proclamation setting aside a day of prayer. Congress did not establish an annual day of prayer until 1952. In 1988, the observance was amended, designating the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer.