July 30, 2016, is the 60th anniversary of “In God We Trust” being signed into law as our national motto. To recognize the anniversary, the Illinois Prayer Caucus encouraged all 102 county boards and commissions to recognize and reaffirm the national motto.

Many believe the phrase “In God We Trust” originated from the fourth stanza of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” penned by Francis Scott Key: “And this be our motto: In God is our trust.” “In God We Trust” was stamped on U.S. coins in 1864 and printed on paper currency in 1957. The motto was made official through a joint resolution by the 84th Congress and signed into law by President Dwight Eisenhower on July 30, 1956.

A big thank-you goes to Chairman William Hadley and members of the Stephenson County Board who passed a resolution reaffirming “In God We Trust” as the official motto of the United States. The county board also voted to hang a banner with the words “In God We Trust” on the front of the Stephenson County Courthouse.

We encourage you to drive by the Stephenson County Courthouse in downtown Freeport to view the banner and take time to thank God for His blessings and providence over America.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Psalm 33:12.

— Debbie Leininger, Concerned Women for America, Illinois director