Okla-homey
7/30/2008, 05:39 AM
July 30, 1956: President Eisenhower signs “In God We Trust” into law
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/6757/ingodwetrusts3nd6.jpg
52 years ago today 1956, two years after pushing to have the phrase “under God” inserted into the pledge of allegiance, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a law officially declaring “In God We Trust” to be the nation’s official motto.
This was at a time when anti-communist and anti-Soviet sentiment was running very high. In fact, many historians believe the widespread use of the newly official motto was meant to herald a fundamental difference between American society and culture from that of officially atheist and godless communism, especially the Soviet Union.
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/1825/in419717468bec9aceb2eub5.jpg
The law, Public Law 84-140, also mandated that the phrase be printed on all American paper currency. The phrase had been placed on U.S. coins since the Civil War when, according to the historical association of the United States Treasury, religious sentiment reached a peak.
Eisenhower’s treasury secretary, George Humphrey, had suggested adding the phrase to paper currency as well.
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/1833/in0803look1ka6.jpg
Ike checking-out America's newest heavy bomber in 1956. To his left (your right) are Harold Talbutt (SECAF) and George Humphrey (SECTREAS)
Most historical accounts believe Eisenhower was raised a Mennonite. Either way, Eisenhower abandoned his family’s religion before entering the Army, and took the unusual step of being baptized relatively late in his adult life as a Presbyterian. The baptism took place in 1953, barely a year into his first term as president.
Although Eisenhower embraced Christianity, biographers insist he never intended to force his beliefs on anyone. In fact, the chapel-like structure near where he and his wife Mamie are buried on the grounds of his presidential library is called the “Place of Meditation” and is intentionally inter-denominational.
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/6840/ingodwetrustrelocatedonlj6.jpg
These golden dollar coins featuring US presidents first appeared in 2007. They are the only US coinage ever to feature the motto on the edge. The mint changed the design this year and started to put the mottos on the coins faces like all other US coinage. Therefore, these 2007 coins might be valuable someday as a departure from the norm.
At a Flag Day speech in 1954, he elaborated on his feelings about the place of religion in public life when he discussed why he had wanted to include “under God” in the pledge of allegiance:
“In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war."
The first paper money with the phrase “In God We Trust” was not printed until 1957.
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/5605/incc02177616obv2ur4.jpg
Mottos have appeared on our currency since very early in America's history. I especially like the one used on this 1/6 of a dollar note from the Revolutionary era.
Since then, religious and secular groups have argued over the appropriateness and constitutionality of a motto that mentions “God,” considering the founding fathers’ dedication to maintaining the separation of church and state. Opponents haven't gotten much traction in court, however they have succeeded in achieving rulings schoolkids and others may not be compelled to say the Pledge of Allegiance because it invokes divinity and may be said to "advance religion."
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/6757/ingodwetrusts3nd6.jpg
52 years ago today 1956, two years after pushing to have the phrase “under God” inserted into the pledge of allegiance, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a law officially declaring “In God We Trust” to be the nation’s official motto.
This was at a time when anti-communist and anti-Soviet sentiment was running very high. In fact, many historians believe the widespread use of the newly official motto was meant to herald a fundamental difference between American society and culture from that of officially atheist and godless communism, especially the Soviet Union.
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/1825/in419717468bec9aceb2eub5.jpg
The law, Public Law 84-140, also mandated that the phrase be printed on all American paper currency. The phrase had been placed on U.S. coins since the Civil War when, according to the historical association of the United States Treasury, religious sentiment reached a peak.
Eisenhower’s treasury secretary, George Humphrey, had suggested adding the phrase to paper currency as well.
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/1833/in0803look1ka6.jpg
Ike checking-out America's newest heavy bomber in 1956. To his left (your right) are Harold Talbutt (SECAF) and George Humphrey (SECTREAS)
Most historical accounts believe Eisenhower was raised a Mennonite. Either way, Eisenhower abandoned his family’s religion before entering the Army, and took the unusual step of being baptized relatively late in his adult life as a Presbyterian. The baptism took place in 1953, barely a year into his first term as president.
Although Eisenhower embraced Christianity, biographers insist he never intended to force his beliefs on anyone. In fact, the chapel-like structure near where he and his wife Mamie are buried on the grounds of his presidential library is called the “Place of Meditation” and is intentionally inter-denominational.
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/6840/ingodwetrustrelocatedonlj6.jpg
These golden dollar coins featuring US presidents first appeared in 2007. They are the only US coinage ever to feature the motto on the edge. The mint changed the design this year and started to put the mottos on the coins faces like all other US coinage. Therefore, these 2007 coins might be valuable someday as a departure from the norm.
At a Flag Day speech in 1954, he elaborated on his feelings about the place of religion in public life when he discussed why he had wanted to include “under God” in the pledge of allegiance:
“In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war."
The first paper money with the phrase “In God We Trust” was not printed until 1957.
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/5605/incc02177616obv2ur4.jpg
Mottos have appeared on our currency since very early in America's history. I especially like the one used on this 1/6 of a dollar note from the Revolutionary era.
Since then, religious and secular groups have argued over the appropriateness and constitutionality of a motto that mentions “God,” considering the founding fathers’ dedication to maintaining the separation of church and state. Opponents haven't gotten much traction in court, however they have succeeded in achieving rulings schoolkids and others may not be compelled to say the Pledge of Allegiance because it invokes divinity and may be said to "advance religion."