Martin: “… a platform like this
is invaluable …”
NEW WINDSOR – The inaugural Orange County Leadership Prayer Breakfast, hosted by County Executive Steven Neuhaus and featuring guest speaker of the 1975-88 New York Giants, former defensive end George Martin, was held at Anthony’s Pier 9 Tuesday morning.
The packed house event, which Neuhaus said has been held for some time now by other Hudson Valley counties, merges the ideals of community and faith.
It brings together local business, community and governmental leaders, providing them a forum to come together and share ideas in an atmosphere defined by acceptance of all faiths, he noted.
“What we wanted to do was really bring Orange County community together and what you see here is people from different faiths coming in together and talking about, we don’t have any clergy up on the dais it was literally individuals, what their personal feelings are and how their lives are impacted by their faith and it was a great success,” said Neuhaus.
Martin, who in September of 2007 walked across the United States to San Diego in an effort to raise awareness and funds for responders to the 9/11 attacks, had a lot to say about faith, his journey which resulted in his book, “Just Around the Bend” and what he believes to be the significance of having an event like the leadership prayer breakfast. He said it was a good example of an event that embraces the entirety of a community.
“I think its part of the diversity that incorporates all of the community and I think that’s very important,” said Martin. “When people feel that there’s an avenue for them to voice their pleasure, or displeasure, or, to have input, I think a platform like this is invaluable and I make the message of having faith and keeping this going so that it can permeate every inch of society here I think was very important.”
In honor of Veterans Day and Orange County veterans, a special dedication was made to America’s servicemen and women.
Martin also held a special book signing afterwards where any individual in uniform was granted immediate access to him at the front of the line.
Since the first breakfast was such a success, Neuhaus announced that from now on, Orange County will host a Leadership Breakfast every year.
