This fourth stanza of the National Anthem inspired Congress to place the motto “In God We Trust” on the nation’s coins beginning on March 3, 1865. House Speaker Schuyler Colfax noted at the time:

The last act of Congress ever signed by President Lincoln was one requiring that the motto . . . “In God We Trust” should hereafter be inscribed upon all our national coin.

On October 30, 1949, President Truman commented:

When the U.S. was established . . . the motto was “In God We Trust.” That is still our motto and we still place our firm trust in God.

On February 9, 1961, President Kennedy reaffirmed this:

The guiding principle of this Nation has been, is now, and ever shall be “In God We Trust.”

And on March 19, 1981, President Reagan asserted yet again:

Our Nation’s motto . . . reflects a basic recognition that there is a divine authority in the universe to which this nation owes homage.

View CTA’s items that will help you and your church or school observe President’s Day and other patriotic observances.

Adapted from www.AmericanMinute.com

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