TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, City Manager
TITLE: Display our National and State motto “In God We Trust” in the City Commission Chambers
Recommended Action
Commission direction
Background Information
The United States Congress approved "In God We Trust" as the national motto in 1956. This motto is engraved above the entrance to the United States Senate Chamber and above the Speaker’s dais in the House of Representatives. In 2006, the United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution to commemorate, celebrate, and reaffirm the national motto of the United States on the 50th anniversary of its formal adoption. In 2011 the House of Representatives passed an additional resolution reaffirming "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States. "In God We Trust" has been used on U.S. currency since 1864 and was adopted by the Florida legislature as part of the Florida state seal in 1868.
Cities and Counties across the country are taking official action to display our Nation’s motto “In God We Trust” in their council chambers. In 2002, the City Council of Bakersfield, California approved prominently displaying the national motto in their chambers at city hall. The effort to encourage other cities to display the motto was initiated that same year by Councilwoman Jacquie Sullivan of Bakersfield. The effort continues through the 501(c)3 non-profit organization named In God We Trust - America, Inc., a sample Resolution and invite letter are attached.
In March of 2013 there were 303 Counties and Cities nationwide (2 from Florida) that prominently display “In God We Trust” in their chambers. As of December 2017, there are now 675 nationwide, 22 in Florida.
This item is to request commission direction for displaying of our national and state motto “In God We Trust” in the City Chambers under or around the City Seal.
Strategic Plan
Financial Impact
Procurement
Attachments:
1. List of Cities and Counties
2. IGWTA Invite Letter
3. Sample Resolution
Prepared by: Patsy Adkins for Vice-Mayor Yates
Department Director: Patsy Adkins