SD public schools will display national motto

SD public schools will display national motto

Public school students in South Dakota will be greeted by the national motto, “In God We Trust,” when classes resume this fall.

A new state law took effect in July that requires the motto to be displayed in a “prominent location”  where students are “most likely” to see it. Lawmakers who proposed the law believe the quote will inspire patriotism, according to The Associated Press. 

Six states — Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida and Arizona — have approved similar legislation in recent years.

According to the Treasury Department, “In God We Trust” first appeared on U.S. coins largely because of increased religious interest during the Civil War. It was declared the official U.S. motto in 1956. (TAB)