It never occured to me that the President of the United States would issue a statement marking Ash Wednesday, although there are surely people who work in the West Wing that would better be able to check their pride if they recalled on a daily basis that they are dust and unto dust they shall return.
But, just back from my orning walk, this was in my inbox:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 9, 2011
Statement by the President on Ash Wednesday
Michelle and I join with millions of Christians here and across the world to mark Ash Wednesday. As we observe the season of Lent, we receive with thanksgiving this opportunity for grace and repentance, recommit ourselves to our faith, and remember our obligations to one another.