'In God is Our Trust'

By Mark Alexander · Thursday, June 10, 2010

"Let us then ... under God, trust our cause to our swords." --Samuel Adams

Carrying our flag into battle

In advance of the anniversary of our Declaration of Independence, allow me to suggest another date that should be observed with equal reverence by all Patriots.

At the dawn of the American Revolution, on the first Patriots' Day (April 19, 1775), armed citizens formed colonial militias that constituted the frontline of our nation's defense.

However, with hostilities mounting, on June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress authorized the enlistment of some 27,000 colonial riflemen to defend the new nation, establishing the American Continental Army and, a day later, appointed George Washington as its commander in chief.

The 1st Continental Regiment consisted of 10 rifle companies from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, and they marched to Boston in support of the New England militia.

Fittingly, on June 14 two years later, the Second Continental Congress adopted the first flag of the United States, with the official entry reading, "Resolved that the flag of the thirteen United States be Thirteen stripes alternate red and white: that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."

For the next decade, American Patriots would defend the young nation against what seemed insurmountable odds. They were, of course, led by General Washington, who would, at the close of hostilities and upon the ratification of our Constitution, become our nation's first president.

Thus, June 14 of this year is both the 235th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Army, and the 233rd anniversary of the adoption of our flag, which has been carried into every battle since.

It was in a second conflict with the British, the War of 1812, that our national flag, flying over Fort McHenry overlooking Baltimore harbor, would give Francis Scott Key the inspiration to pen our National Anthem.

In 1814, James Madison authorized Key and John Stuart Skinner to seek an agreement with the British to secure an exchange of prisoners. Under a flag of truce, Key and Skinner met with Major General Robert Ross and Vice Admiral Alexander Cochrane aboard the HMS Tonnant for negotiations. However, while onboard, Key and Skinner learned of British plans to attack Baltimore, and thus, were held captive.

From his vantage point onboard, Key was able to observe at the end of the first day of that campaign that Fort McHenry's "storm flag" was still flying into the night. He didn't know if his fellow Patriots had withstood the assault until, by the dawn's early light, he saw a much larger American flag (made of fine English wool) had been raised victoriously over the fort.

On that day, Key, an amateur poet, penned "The Defence of Fort McHenry," later put to music as "The Star-Spangled Banner," and formally recognized as our National Anthem in 1931.

While the first verse of "The Star-Spangled Banner" is familiar to most Americans, it is the fourth and last verse that speaks most directly to the humbling legacy of American Patriots, who have stood in harm's way since 1775:

O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

"In God is our trust," was shortened to "In God We Trust" and established as our National Motto in 1956 by another Army general who went on to become president, Dwight D. Eisenhower.

That message, "In God We Trust," is the keystone of liberty, and our nation. But there are those who are endeavoring to remove it, and if they are allowed to succeed, our nation will collapse.

Please join us on one more frontline in defense of liberty.

I invite you to celebrate Army Day, Flag Day and our upcoming Independence Day, in part, by supporting The Patriot Post. From our humble beginnings, The Patriot has grown to become America's most trusted advocate for First Principles, Essential Liberty and Constitutional Rule of Law.

This measure of success is (to paraphrase Ronald Reagan) not because we're great communicators, but because we're communicating great things to the current generation of American Patriots, and because you, in turn, have sustained our effort and helped us grow our ranks.

In 1821, Thomas Jefferson wrote, "[T]he flames kindled on the 4th of July 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism."

True today, but those flames must still be tended with vigilance.

In 1833, James Madison's Supreme Court nominee, Justice Joseph Story, wrote, "Let the American youth never forget, that they possess a noble inheritance, bought by the toils, and sufferings, and blood of their ancestors; and capacity, if wisely improved, and faithfully guarded, of transmitting to their latest posterity all the substantial blessings of life, the peaceful enjoyment of liberty, property, religion, and independence."

The primary objective of The Patriot Post is to keep the flame of liberty burning bright, and to ensure that the legacy of liberty, won at great sacrifice by generations gone before, is extended to our posterity.

While many of our readers support us at the end of the year, and some throughout the year, we also endure a perennial summer "dry spell," a budget shortfall in our third quarter, and we need your help to bridge the gap between July and October.

If you have the ability and have not already done so, please take a moment to support The Patriot's 2010 Independence Day Campaign. I humbly encourage you to make a contribution -- however large or small. (If you prefer to support us by mail, please use our printable donor form.)

Your investment ensures that The Patriot's timeless message of liberty, limited government and free enterprise, and our advocacy for national defense and traditional American values, is distributed to a wide forum of readers at all levels of government, academia, the media, and most important, to grassroots Patriots. Your support also provides free subscriptions for thousands of American military personnel and those in ministry and other professions with limited financial means.

That's a lot of leverage for the future of American liberty!

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Fellow Patriots, I thank you for being vigilant and faithful in your selfless support of liberty. We're humbled to count you among our readers, and it's my great privilege to serve you as editor of The Patriot Post. May God bless you, and may our great nation continue to be blessed with the liberty He has endowed.

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Comments

Douglas Bell

Inspiring as always.

God bless you and your staff.

Well done,

Doug Bell

a Texan living in NV

Posted June 10, 2010 at 12:46:20 PM

Pamela Heckel

The US Post Office gives change in dollar coins. Take a look at the new George Washington coin. Tell me if you find "In God We Trust" on it.

Posted June 10, 2010 at 12:46:55 PM

Ruth Ann Wilson

I appreciate Mark Alexander's "revival" of Flag Day.

June 14, 2010

All Patriotic Organizations need to have a PUBLIC forum marking Flag Day. DAR, American Legion & Auxiliary, VFW, etc. The children are not taught in Public education of our Valiant American History, so through the Patriotic organizations, we, Americans need to ask God to "Revive US again".

A simple presentation on Flag Day at County Court Houses around this Beloved Nation, with THE PEOPLE SINGING, That 4th stanza to "The Star-Spangled Banner" and other wonderful Patriotic songs would prove to encourage We, the people.

If you don't know the words to Our wonderful Patriotic songs, copy them off, and sing them everywhere,(it will help the children for they don't know the words to our Beloved Patriotic songs), we have an enemy and "singings Patriots" will put that enemy to flight.

Think about what that "Singing Marine" did to that gathering in Atlanta, when he sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" 4th verse, What a Blessing.

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord", the words to our Patriotic songs can not be "gainsayed or resisted." Try it.

For God & Country

The American

Posted June 10, 2010 at 12:54:45 PM

ARealpolitik

I would like to repost this on my blog. I have read terms of use and in accordance with the top quote found there,

"The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers." — Shakespeare's King Henry the VI, pt.4,

the guy that wrote them must surely be deceased. I could not understand the terms completely. I frequent this blog quite often and find the patriotic articles moving (not so much the partisan ones). I would of course give full reference with links to the story, author and The Patriot's Post.

Please reply either here or by email. I will only repost if approved. Appreciate your consideration, thanks.

ARealpoltik

My site: http://www.thejeffersontree.com

Posted June 10, 2010 at 1:07:26 PM

Editor's Reply:
As always, our content may be forwarded or reposted with attribution.

Joseph Zach

in your AMerican history piece, you seem that the Articles of Confederacy were in place quite some time, until the closed and secret convention ; which was to AMMEND selfsame Articles. after Ben Franklin's famous quote that the People of the United STATES, had been "GIVEN" a Constitution, and that it was to them to KEEP it' then and only then was George Washington trotted out to be the first President of this new "Republic". Yes, his war time fame was still greatly remembered. I thank God that this Mason chose to only serve two terms. I also thank God that he rejected being addressed by anything other than Mister President. Maybe you folks should try to present some information about the Articles of Confederation, the 10+ one (or two) year term, Presidents. It would show me, that you actually have a knowledge of real live American History. just saying, but not expecting the propaganda to change any time soon. ha ha ha JZ

Posted June 10, 2010 at 1:11:34 PM

Gretchen S

I memorized the last verse of the anthem years ago when I sang in the school choir. I have always thought the last verse should be sung as the anthem and have never seen it mentioned in press or public. Thanks for bringing to the peoples' attention.

Posted June 10, 2010 at 1:21:12 PM

Tex

In all due respect to Mr. Zach! Sir, maybe your immense knowledge could be better channeled into a daily news letter, as Mr. Alexander has done!

What we need as citizens, is more understanding of past events and important documents, treaties, papers, and whatever it took to form the GREAT NATION that we have today!

Sarcasm and criticism of someones efforts is not (in my oppinion) the way to do it! Start your own, and then put on your "tough hide", for the jabs are on the way! I'll bet this newsletter will prevail!

Posted June 10, 2010 at 1:44:18 PM

Duke of Earl

Pamela,

"In God We Trust" is engraved along the edge of the Presidential Dollar coins. I just hope that the mint(s) run out of material when it comes time to create the coins for the current occupant of the White House.

JZ,

The Articles of Confederation had very little authority over any of the states. Each state approached the end of the War for Independence as a separate nation/state. Some states (New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania) had the where-with-all to flourish. Others did not. The great experiment in self-government was about to collapse. The Constitutional Convention was convened to develop a better and more permanent document and basis for the United States to govern itself as a Nation leaving the states the ability to operate on their own for the most part. Thus, the United States Constitution was adopted and ratified by ALL of the original 13 colonies.

Mark,

Thanks you for the 4th verse of Scott Key's memorable poem. I have been told that the celebration of the Defense of Fort McHenry is quite a stirring sight, especially if have the opportunity to be in the Fort when fireworks display is underway. I have always thought that all of the verses should be played as the National Anthem. The first verse is incredible; but, all four verse is absolutely intense and awe inspiring.

Duke

Posted June 10, 2010 at 1:55:51 PM

Steven

@Pamela...for the first eight $1 Presidential coins, the motto "In God We Trust" is on the edge. However, a minting error allowed less than 1% of the Washington $1 coins to go without anything on the edge. Google "Godless Dollar".

Posted June 10, 2010 at 1:55:59 PM

karl anglin

Americans are not a perfect people,

but we are called to a perfect mission.

-----Andrew Jackson (1767-1845)

Posted June 10, 2010 at 2:13:36 PM

L.B. Strawn

Perhaps you might be able to use some of my poetry re:patriotism in your efforts to reach people to bring them to be patriots. If you like this one, email me and I'll send several others.

PATRIOT

Two centuries ago our nation was born---

To fight to the finish our forefathers had sworn,

And now, over many a patriot's grave

We can sing, "Land of the free and home of the brave".

They gave this heritage to everyone,

Using sword and cannon and musket gun;

Marching o'er fields where blood ran red,

Over the bodies of comrades, dead.

In summer's humid and stifling heat--

Mostly forward and seldom retreat.

In dreaded cold of winter's snow;

Always onward to meet the foe.

In hunger, in thirst, with battle wound,

In agonizing strife, with scarcely a sound

Of complaint o'er the lot of a soldier, brave,

Marching onward into many a grave.

Often weary or fevered and ill,

Lack of clothing against winter's chill,

Lack of munitions, with which to fight,

But, fight they did, with all of their might.

Some gave their wealth but gained their fame,

And, with all who fought, gained a name.

"Patriot!" It rings, as it flies through the land.

"Patriot!" Wonderful name, so grand.

That's right!! They gave for you and me;

Died that America might be free.

Let's vow to keep it that way--you and I.

And, for this great land, be willing to die.

"Patriot!!" Are we worthy of the name?

"Patriot!!" Like those of old, are we the same?

Would we uphold their traditions, true?

I know that I would---would you????

By L. B. Strawn

July 4, 1976 WW II Vet

Posted June 10, 2010 at 2:59:37 PM

Samuel Glasser

Now that you have quoted Samuel Adams, let me recommend Ira Stoll's book: "SAMUEL ADAMS - A Life".

It will elevate your opinion of him to the Top Patriot of our Country's Independence.

Posted June 10, 2010 at 3:16:56 PM

Frank E.

06/10/10

Our Land of LIBERTY and proven HOME of the BRAVE

have an unknown HALF BREED hiding in the W.H.OVAL

OFFICE doing his utmost in destroying our way of

life from within.OBAMA has proclaimed our CREATOR

and founders democracy experiment the "largest

MUSLIM nation",Taking away OUR NATIONAL PRAYER

DAY,What better way to stop off shore drilling,

by flooding the Oceans with OIL. REALLY STOP and

THINK ABOUT IT!!!

Posted June 10, 2010 at 8:37:46 PM

ILEANA

I wonder why the American flag has disappeared from the president's press conference, why is there a yellow silk brocade behind him with no flag?

Is he no longer representing U.S.?

Does the yellow silk brocade mean that he is the president of the world with no flag?

I fly my American flag with great pride and salute it. A lot of people lost their lives to preserve this simple right for us.

Posted June 10, 2010 at 9:16:31 PM

Douglas W St Clair

Why don't we read more about the sixteen president's who served before George Washington on these pages?

Posted June 10, 2010 at 10:08:49 PM

Major Stu

I, too, was stirred when linked on Facebook to the YouTube video of the 4th verse of the National Anthem. When I was in 8th grade, one of our general music exams was to write all four verses of the National Anthem, from memory, with proper spelling AND punctuation. I recalled it immediately. Any idea how many students in America could do this with the First verse these days? You see people sitting when they should stand when an honor guard passes in a parade. Hats on, joking, laughing, and goofing around when the National Anthem is played. The lack of respect is astounding, but not surprising, given the attitude of so many in the education establishment, e.g. the NEA.

Posted June 10, 2010 at 11:55:19 PM

Heather Harrison

AWESOME essay!

If anyone reading this is in the Fayetteville NC area we are having a FLAG DAY TEA PARTY!

Opening with prayer, the Pledge, a reading of the history of the National Anthem~ then singing of the first and fourth verses. Then a guest speaker.

11-2pm @Gander Mountain Parking Lot

Bring your family and friends to show your love of Ole' Glory!

Posted June 13, 2010 at 4:08:59 PM

ken

aren't the afghanistan people the modern equivalent of the american revolutionaries, and the american empire akin to the british empire? And now with the leaked discovery of the largest mining deposits ever discovered, it would be hard to argue the US won't be there for "100 years". Unless of course, we go bankrupt first...

Posted June 17, 2010 at 12:46:40 PM

Bob Sanders

VERY FINE EFFORT....UNABLE TO HELP $$$ WISE ... TOO OLD AND TOO POOR...... HOPE YOU ARE ABLE TO KEEP UP YOUR EFFORTS TO SPREAD LOYAL AMERICANISM....BOB

Posted June 28, 2010 at 10:32:02 AM

RAB

There is a world of difference between what the United States is attempting to do in the Middle-East, and what Britain was trying to do with the U.S. colonies. We are attempting to spread democracy and freedom, not indentured servitude. Thank you, Patriot Post, for all you do. If I could, I would pay your entire budget. However, suffering at the hands of a despot, I can not. I will, however, look to see what I might contribute.

Posted July 5, 2010 at 4:08:33 PM

Bob Grinnell, Williams AZ

This is excellent. I want to pass it on to others that need to learn about our history.

Posted March 30, 2011 at 5:38:24 PM

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