This week, on July 30th, we commemorate the 63rd  Anniversary of when President Eisenhower signed a bill into law that designated “In God We Trust” as the official national motto of the United States.

Why is this significant you might ask? America was built on a proposition that there is something greater than ourselves. Our Founders recognized and declared to the entire world that our rights come from our Creator. By displaying “In God We Trust,” we are proclaiming that there is an authority even above our leaders; an authority of rightness from which our rights come.

Today, the phrase is found in the fourth verse of our National Anthem and is inscribed in gold letters above the speaker’s rostrum in the U.S. House of Representatives. It is also on the walls of the United State Senate chambers, and nearly 100 Members of Congress have the national motto prominently displayed in their offices. Additionally, over 600 cities and counties nationwide have it posted in their offices, chambers, on their official seals, and even first responder vehicles.

Our national motto is on our money and is woven into the very fabric of America.  “In God We Trust” is an important part of American history. These four words have united and strengthened Americans through some of the darkest times in our history. It was after the War of 1812 that the Star-Spangled Banner became our national anthem, at which time these four words were included in the last verse.

By supporting “In God We Trust” we preserve and remind ourself of our nation’s history, and celebrate

the uniqueness of our country.

Last session Senator Hall authored legislation to allow Minnesota schools to display the United States national motto “In God We Trust” at their campuses. His proposal did not require any state or local funding. Instead, it allowed for local school boards to accept nonpublic funds or in-kind contributions to help implement the display as school facilities.