“In God We Trust” is firmly embedded in Americans’ consciousness and expresses Americans’ deep, abiding faith that a higher power has guided our country on its several century journey through human history’s often stormy seas.
The decision by police this month to unveil the phrase in Childress, an agricultural community of some 6,100 people at the southern edge of the Texas Panhandle, follows a similar move by dozens of other police agencies elsewhere in the country.
Police Chief Adrian Garcia said he decided to add the decals in response to recent attacks on law enforcement personnel that have received broad attention, including the August 28 killing of a sheriff’s deputy who was shot 15 times at a Houston-area gas station. The Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund notes that eight officers have been shot and killed in the U.S. in the last month, and four died in the span of 10 days.
Garcia told the Red River Sun newspaper “I think with all the assaults happening on officers across the country … it’s time we get back to where we once were,”
George W. Bush: On July 30, 2006, President George W. Bush issued a proclamation reaffirming the status of “In God We Trust” as America’s national motto and declaring anew its worthiness for that designation.
The House: The House of Representatives passed H.Con.Res.13 with an overwhelming 396/9 vote in November, 2011, reaffirming our national motto and encouraging its public display, elected leaders and citizens have taken action to display “In God We Trust” in government buildings, courtrooms, schools and businesses. (H.Con.Res.13)
President Reagan: “If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”
President Obama showed ignorance about “In God We Trust” — and lack of appreciation for how meaningful it is for many Americans — in 2011, when he incorrectly identified “E Pluribus Unum” as the national motto, then dismissed congressional critics when they passed a resolution setting the record straight. The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Randy Forbes, R-Va. It supported and encouraged the display of the words “In God We Trust” in all public schools and government buildings.
