[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8038--JULY 27, 2006
Proclamation 8038 of July 27, 2006
50th Anniversary of Our National Motto, ``In God We Trust,'' 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On the 50th anniversary of our national motto, ``In God We Trust,'' we
reflect on these words that guide millions of Americans, recognize the

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blessings of the Creator, and offer our thanks for His great gift of
liberty.
From its earliest days, the United States has been a Nation of faith.
During the War of 1812, as the morning light revealed that the battle-
torn American flag still flew above Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key
penned, ``And this be our motto: `In God is our trust!' '' His poem
became our National Anthem, reminding generations of Americans to
``Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.'' On July
30, 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower signed the law officially
establishing ``In God We Trust'' as our national motto.
Today, our country stands strong as a beacon of religious freedom. Our
citizens, whatever their faith or background, worship freely and
millions answer the universal call to love their neighbor and serve a
cause greater than self.
As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of our national motto and
remember with thanksgiving God's mercies throughout our history, we
recognize a divine plan that stands above all human plans and continue
to seek His will.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim July 30, 2006, as the 50th Anniversary of
our National Motto, ``In God We Trust.'' I call upon the people of the
United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies,
and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day
of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
GEORGE W. BUSH