Trust still stands in America Published March 11, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Danielle Hill 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. -- "In God We Trust." This phrase became the official national motto of the United States in 1956 after it was passed by the 84th United States Congress and later by President Dwight Eisenhower. It appears on U.S. currency, on the Seal of the United States, in the first stanza of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and on two states flags. The Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Brig. Gen. Cecil Richardson, delivered a powerful speech at the 2008 National Prayer Luncheon at Columbus AFB March 6. With trust being the main topic of his speech, he said "It is trust in God that will preserve our nation and keep our nation free." "I know, and you do too, that there are some people that would just as well do away with our national motto. There are those that think that it is inappropriate that the most powerful nation on earth to stamp 'In God We Trust' across every dollar bill and every coin, and across every official seal," said the general. "But what they forget is that Americans have always trusted in God. In fact, America exists because of people who trusted in God." "What does the phrase mean? Trust is not a commonly used word today, not even in religious circles. Trust is critical to our faith, it is crucial to our prayers and it is central to who we are as Americans. Trust not simply a belief of religion, trust is not just a commitment to a church, it is not just a watered down version of faith. Trust is the assurance that we can count on God, no matter what." "Faith is what you do when you pray. Trust is what you do after you pray," he said. "Isn't it about time you started trusting in God? Isn't it about time you pulled out a penny and looked at the message on that penny, 'In God We Trust' and decided 'Hey, I need to trust in God'," he said. "Trust in the lord with all your heart. In all your ways, know Him, and He will direct your path. In God we trust, Amen."
