In God we trust?
The original motto
"E Pluribus Unum"
Latin for "One from many"
In 1776, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson submit their design to congress for 'the Great Seal of the United States' with the motto "E Pluribus Unum".
In 1782, The Secretary of Congress submits a design of an eagle with a heart-shaped shield and a scroll bearing the motto "E Pluribus Unum".
The seal is approved and used on some coinage in1795.
The new motto
"In God We Trust"
In 1814, Francis Scott Key pens his poem 'Defence of Fort McHenry' which will eventually become known as 'The Star-Spangled Banner'. It contains the verse "and this be our motto: In God is our trust."
In 1860, during the Civil War, Protestant denominations organize the 'National Reform Association', which aimed to amend the Constitution to "declare the nation's allegiance to Jesus Christ."
In 1861, Rev. M. R. Watkinson writes Salmon P. Chase, the Secretary of the Treasury, a letter suggesting "the recognition of the Almighty God in some form on our coins". He suggests "God, Liberty, Law" as a motto on a "beautiful coin, to which no possible citizen could object".
In 1864, Congress approves "In God We Trust" for use on one-cent and two-cent coins.
In 1865, Congress acts to place the motto on all coins.
In 1889, The Star-Spangled Banner is recognized for use by the Navy.
In 1916, The Star-Spangled Banner is recognized for use by the President.
In 1931, The Star-Spangled Banner is made the national anthem by a congressional resolution and is signed by President Herbert Hoover.
In 1957, the motto is first used on paper money.
On July 30, 1956, a bill is passed by congress and signed by the president declaring "In God We Trust" the national motto of the United States.
Challanges
- In 1970, The constitutionality of the motto is challenged (Aronow v. United States). The Circut court determined it "has nothing whatsoever to do with the establishment of religion".
- In 1979, Madalyn Murray O'Hair of American Atheists challanges the motto (O'Hair v. Blumenthal). The circut court ruled "the slogan was secular".
- In 1994, The Freedom From Religion Foundation challenged the motto citing it's survey that showed a majority of americans consider the motto religious. lawsuit was dismissed by the district Court without trial
US Treasury: History of 'In God We Trust'
Supporters
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