The Town of Miami Lakes is honoring the 150th anniversary of the nation’s motto “In God We Trust” by joining about 339 cities across America as an act of patriotism, and not for religious reasons.
During a July 22 special meeting, the Town Council acted as the Committee of the Whole to approve Vice Mayor Manny Cid’s recommendation for Miami Lakes to commemorate the country’s milestone by sponsoring a resolution and placing a plaque at Town Hall.
To make the measure official, the Committee forwarded its suggestion to the Town Council for final approval.
Cid said it’s “very” encouraging to see the positive responses of patriotism from municipalities across the country and thought it would be a good idea for Miami Lakes to express its devotion to “one’s home country.”
To prevent a possible uproar, the town in honoring the national motto, must do so for secular purposes.
“This is nothing controversial, it was ruled by the U.S Supreme Court to be constitutional,” Cid said. “‘In God We Trust’ has proven to be a historical motto and it's beyond religion at this point.”
Bakersfield, California City Councilmember Jacquie Sullivan, founder and president of In God We Trust America Inc., chimed in on the town’s show of patriotism.
Via telephone, Sullivan, who has championed the issue for many years, said she initiated the campaign to show how important the motto is to America and its historical value.
“The main concern of it all is it is legal because some groups get the motto confused with religion purposes,” Sullivan said. “But, so far, we have not had any legal challenges and if so, lawyers are willing to challenge it free of charge for the right to display ‘In God We Trust.’ The motto is on our currency and coins. It’s constitutional.”
Town Attorney Raul Gastesi echoed Sullivan’s sentiments.
“It’s legal to do this,” he said. “The U.S. Supreme Court characterizes the phrase ‘In God We Trust’ used as the national motto, used on coins and currency and for patriotic and ceremonial issues.”
Gastesi, however, cautioned Miami Lakes if the motto is used for non secular reasons, the town could be sued.
“It can be declared unconstitutional and draw lawsuits,” he said.
Mayor Wayne Slaton said unfortunately some groups are dedicated to doing other things with the state motto, but commended Sullivan’s group for its dedication to encouraging the nation’s motto.
“Other groups are very politically oriented and much more religious aspects than the true foundation of ‘In God We Trust’,” he said. “Some are mixing patriotism with religious issues. I support the motto but I felt that being in the position I am in, I needed to put all of this out there and I’m glad we had Councilmember Sullivan to clarify it. I feel comfortable that she is not part of other groups doing other things with the state and national motto.”