[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 30 (Monday, July 31, 2006)]
[Page 1403]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8038--50th Anniversary of Our National Motto, ``In God We 
Trust,'' 2006

 July 27, 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 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

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., July 31, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
August 1.