In God We Trust Day

Categories:: Religious
Tags:: American
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every April 22
Holiday emoji:: 🇺🇸

In God We Trust Day, observed annually on April 22, commemorates the passage of the 1864 act that allowed the national motto to appear on U.S. coins. This day invites Americans to reflect on the phrase’s historical and cultural significance. Join in by exploring its origins, sharing its story, and recognizing its place in national identity.

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Expected In God We Trust Day Deals

As a day of national reflection rather than commercial activity, In God We Trust Day does not typically feature retail promotions or sales. Instead, the focus is on civic and historical appreciation. Organizations like the Faith & Freedom Coalition and First Liberty Institute may highlight educational initiatives about the motto’s role in American heritage. Financial institutions or historical societies might offer educational resources. We will update this page with any relevant commemorative events or educational campaigns as April 22 approaches, encouraging engagement with the motto’s legacy.

Platform Guide for In God We Trust Day

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #InGodWeTrustDay. Share historical facts about the motto’s adoption and its presence on U.S. currency.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InGodWeTrustDay. Post a poll asking followers about the motto’s significance to them.

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #InGodWeTrustDay. Share insights on the motto’s historical context in legal or business settings.

In God We Trust Day Hero

Salmon P. Chase

As Secretary of the Treasury during the Civil War, Salmon P. Chase was instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of 'In God We Trust' on U.S. coins. He received many appeals from devout citizens for a national recognition of God on currency. His efforts led to the 1864 act, solidifying the motto's place in American numismatic history and national identity.

History of In God We Trust Day

‘In God We Trust’ is the official motto of the United States. The U.S. Congress adopted the phrase in 1956, replacing ‘E Pluribus Unum,’ which had been the motto since 1776 when the Great Seal of the United States was initially designed. The origins of this phrase as a political motto date back to the American Civil War, during which Union supporters aimed to solidify their faith in God and boost morale for the battle ahead. In 1864, the capitalized form of the phrase ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’ made its first appearance on the two-cent piece; it was also printed on paper currency from 1957 and on several post stamps since 1954.

In July 1955 President Dwight Eisenhower endorsed a law passed by a joint resolution of the 84th Congress, that requires the words ‘In God We Trust’ to appear on all American currency. This came into effect two years after the law was made when it was used on paper money for the first time. Congress would later pass a follow-up law, also signed by President Eisenhower on July 30, 1956, declaring the phrase the national motto. This provision has also been authorized in public institutions or schools, while the states of Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi have incorporated the phrase in some of their state symbols. The motto is also used in other countries’ currencies such as Nicaragua’s coins.

The ‘In God We Trust’ motto is still popular in America to this day. According to a 2019 student poll by “College Pulse” showed that 53% of students supported the inclusion of the ‘In God We Trust’ phrase in the American national currency

In God We Trust Day timeline

1776

The United States Gains Independence

The United States of America becomes an independent sovereign country in 1776.

1864

The Phrase is Included on Coins

In 1864, the United States Congress passes a law allowing the phrase ‘In God We Trust’ to appear on U.S. coins.

1956

The U.S. Officially Adopts the Phrase

The United States officially adopts the ‘In God We Trust’ phrase.

1957

Phrase Appears on All American Currency

In 1957, following a law that was passed two years prior, the phrase ‘In God We Trust’ becomes part of all American currency.

How Businesses Can Celebrate In God We Trust Day

Local businesses can observe In God We Trust Day by sharing historical facts about the motto’s origins and its significance in American history. Financial institutions could display educational materials about the motto’s appearance on currency or host small talks on its historical context. Bookstores might feature sections on American history, civics, or religious freedom. The focus should be on respectful recognition and education, rather than commercial promotion.

In God We Trust Day FAQs

When is In God We Trust Day?

In 2027, In God We Trust Day is observed on Thursday, April 22. This day serves as a reminder of the motto’s enduring presence in American civic life and its journey to becoming the national motto.

How many Americans recognize 'In God We Trust' as the national motto?

The phrase ‘In God We Trust’ holds significant recognition among Americans, with its presence on currency and in public institutions. It became the official motto of the United States in 1956, a fact widely acknowledged across the nation.

What is the history of 'In God We Trust' on U.S. currency?

The motto’s journey onto U.S. currency began during the Civil War, driven by Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase. It has been continuously present on the penny since 1909 and the dime since 1916, and on all gold and silver dollars, half dollars, and quarter-dollar coins since 1908.

Is 'In God We Trust' a federal holiday?

While ‘In God We Trust’ is the official motto of the United States, April 22 is not recognized as a public holiday where businesses or government offices close. It is a day for civic reflection and education about the motto’s origins and its place in American heritage.

How to Observe In God We Trust Day

Collect some coins
This holiday is the perfect opportunity to do some coin collecting. Go ahead, get collecting today!
Exchange some American currency
We’re saying you should spend some money. All American currency notes have the phrase on them, so you might as well do some buying and let money change hands, right?
Post on social media
Whether you’re collecting, or spending, be sure to share on social media using the #InGodWeTrustDay hashtag. Start a conversation online!

5 Interesting Facts About American Currency

Only one woman appears on a bill
Martha Wright is the only woman to appear on a dollar bill.
First coins were minted in 1792
The first American coins were minted in 1792.
Paper money is dirty money
Paper bills are characteristically dirty because of the material they’re made from and the fact that they exchange hands so much.
Most bills test positive for cocaine residue
About 90% of American dollar bills test positive for cocaine residue.
There used to be a $10,000 bill
It might sound crazy now, but the highest denomination of a dollar bill to ever be in circulation was a $10,000 bill.

Why In God We Trust Day is Important

It’s an opportunity to learn
Not everybody knows exactly how and when the ‘In God We Trust’ phase came about, so this holiday gives us all an opportunity to learn. We love learning!
It has a spiritual reference
The phrase itself is symbolic of faith and obeisance to a higher, presumably supreme being. It’s a great way to honor faith.
It has cultural value
‘In God We Trust’ is a part of the American culture for the mere fact that it’s the national motto. Spread the news about your culture on this day.