Military and civilian personnel gathered in the Bangor Plaza Ballroom on Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor for the 2011 National Prayer Breakfast (NPB) Feb 10.

The NPB was held to honor service members through prayer and inspirational guest speakers.

The ceremony began with an all you can eat buffet of breakfast foods like fresh fruit, oatmeal, bacon and eggs. Guests enjoyed music from the Navy Band Northwest’s “Five Star Brass” Quintet and followed in prayer by chaplains of the Northwest Region.

“It was a privilege to be here, I think the breakfast was outstanding, and the messages were important,” said Chaplain Ken Bailey, a guest at the NPB and chaplain for the Charteris Foundation of Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office. “I certainly hope it is something done nationwide.”

The prayers were followed by inspirational words from guest speaker Richard LeMieux, the author of “Breakfast at Sally’s: One Homeless Man’s Inspirational Journey.” The story speaks on LeMieux’s life as a wealthy businessman who falls under economic hardships and loses everything. He became homeless at the age of 60 moving from place to place in a van with his dog, Willow. LeMieux found help and relief from the Salvation Army and has continued to believe in the faith since.

“In the crowd of guests at the NPB are heroes of war who protect a population who aren’t involved in their lives but expect them to protect theirs,” said LeMieux. “I was a part of that population, and I am thankful for service members, especially the ones who continue to serve after the military and offered me not only a plate of food, but a plate of hope. God bless the people who serve in the military.”

Following LeMieux, was guest speaker retired Rear Adm. Robert Burt who became the 24th Chief of Navy Chaplains in June 2006.

“It was great to give back and inspire the people who live in our nation,” said Burt. “I appreciate being given the opportunity to speak at the breakfast today, I hope I inspired the guests, plus it gave me a reason to put on my blues again.”

“I absolutely enjoyed the NPB today, the message from Chaplain Burt was one of the best speeches I’ve heard,” said Lt. Aaron Roberton, a chaplain and guest at the NPB. “His message about loving people and the opposite of love being indifference really spoke to me. One of the greatest challenges is to incorporate God into everything we do and partnering with God.”

The breakfast ended with a round of applause from the guests and the traditional playing of “Anchors Aweigh” by the Navy band.