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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced "A Prayer for America," an interfaith service for the families and colleagues of the victims of the World Trade Center tragedy.

The event will take place at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, September 23 at 2:30 p.m., rain or shine. The service will be broadcast live via satellite to large screens at KeySpan Park in Coney Island, Brooklyn, and the Richmond County Savings Bank Ballpark at St. George in Staten Island. Doors at all three stadiums will open at 11 a.m., and seats will not be held after 2:00 p.m. Mayor Giuliani and Governor George Pataki will speak at the event, along with Cardinal Egan, Imam Pasha, and other leaders of the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish faiths.

"This event will give families of victims and those affected by the tragedy an opportunity to come together, worship together, and gain strength from the support of their fellow New Yorkers, and fellow Americans," said Mayor Giuliani. "I encourage all New Yorkers to participate in their own way - either at the event, through their houses of worship or in their homes."

Tickets for the event will be distributed free of charge, with priority going to family members of victims and to rescue workers. Tickets will be distributed from 8 a.m. Friday until noon Saturday at the following New York Police Department precincts: In Manhattan, the 13th Precinct (718-2873280/7894) and the 90th Precinct (718-963-5357/5358); in Queens, the 107th Precinct (718-969-7472/7475) and the 112th Precinct (718-520-0840/0797): and in Staten Island, the 122nd Precinct (718-667-22220/2219/5431). Tickets will also be available through the Family Assistance Center (Pier 94, Manhattan).

Victims' family members from outside New York City may contact the following agencies for ticket-distribution information: Nassau County Police Department (516-573-7540), Westchester County Police Department (914-741-4358), Suffolk County Police Department (631-852-6381), New Jersey State Police (866-NJ-CRISIS), and the Connecticut State Police (860-524-5212).

The use of mass transportation to and from this event is strongly encouraged. Please note that no bags, backpacks, umbrellas or bottles will be permitted at event locations. The event will also be broadcast via satellite at local houses of worship, and on television. People who are not ticket holders strongly advised not to come to the stadiums.

Families and colleagues of victims of last week's tragedy can contact 646-710-6245 for further information.

Media interested in covering this event will be receiving instructions shortly about credentialing.

www.nyc.gov