Did you know that “In God We Trust” wasn’t adopted by Congress officially until 1956? It replaced E pluribus unum, which had been the motto of the United States since the Great Seal was designed in 1776, the year of the United States’ independence from England.
“In God We Trust” first appeared on a Union two-cent piece in 1864 during the Civil War but not on paper currency until 1957. Since then, the official motto has appeared on all American currency. Some states incorporate the phrase in their state symbols, too.
The motto has received overwhelming support—until recently. Now some groups, including many college students, object to the phrase as a violation of the separation of church and state. Thus far, their numerous law suits have not prevailed. Courts have ruled that the government may use the phrase as long as all religious establishments are treated equally and that the repetitive use does not specifically connote religion.
Keith and I are grateful to live in a country where we are free to worship, write, and say “In God We Trust” as an expression of our faith. We can vote for representatives, petition the government, and protect ourselves. In gratitude for these freedoms, many of us dressed in red, white, and blue, and all sang “America the Beautiful” in church yesterday.
Today is the official Fourth of July—Independence Day. Celebrations usually involve fireworks, barbecues, parades, picnics, concerts, family reunions and the like. Unlike past Fourth of Julys spent with family or doing chores, Keith and I are celebrating unity, freedom, and independence by roasting a turkey. The weather is fine, and we’re expecting family this coming weekend.
At nearby Monticello, home of Declaration of Independence author Thomas Jefferson, they are marking the 246th anniversary of the Declaration’s adoption by welcoming 50 new naturalized citizens. Maybe these new citizens trust in God, and maybe they don’t. We have that freedom as well.
Link up with Five Minute Friday: https://fiveminutefriday.com/2022/06/30/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-trust/
Happy Independence Day!
Great post!
Thank you, and you, too! -C.D.
Thanks, Carole, for beautifully expressing and encouraging those words, “In God we trust”.
I appreciate your encouragement, Arleen! -C.D.
Carole, I enjoyed the history lesson. If I wasn’t a writer, maybe I’d be an historian. Ohio’s state motto is “With God, all things are possible.” It is quoting a verse from Matthew’s Gospel.
I didn’t know about Ohio’s state motto. Hope they keep the reference. Thank you for sharing, Richard! -C.D.