# 1035 FDC - 1954 Liberty Series - 3¢ Statue of Liberty
3¢ Statue of Liberty
Liberty Series
City: Albany, NY
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Rotary Press
Perforations: 11 x 10½
Color: Deep violet
“In God We Trust” Made Official U.S. Motto
It’s roots in American tradition date back to the War of 1812, when Francis Scott Key included the phrase “And this be our motto: In God is our Trust” in his poem that became the national anthem, “Star-spangled Banner.” Fifty years later, as America was embroiled in Civil War, Reverend M.R. Watkinson requested that our coins include a statement recognizing God to “relieve us from the ignominy of heathenism.” He, and many others, wished to show that God sided with Union.
Interestingly, two years earlier, President Eisenhower had pushed for the inclusion of “under God” in the pledge of allegiance. At his 1954 Flag Day speech, Eisenhower stated that, “In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war.”
Our nation’s motto first appears on postage
A little over two years before this, America issued the first definitive stamp bearing this motto in April 1954. The stamp, pictured below, was the first definitive with religious significance. The stamp was issued at the request of thousands of Americans calling for such a stamp with religious ties.
The stamp was unveiled in a nationwide television event attended by President Eisenhower, Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, and leaders of religious groups.
3¢ Statue of Liberty
Liberty Series
City: Albany, NY
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Rotary Press
Perforations: 11 x 10½
Color: Deep violet
“In God We Trust” Made Official U.S. Motto
It’s roots in American tradition date back to the War of 1812, when Francis Scott Key included the phrase “And this be our motto: In God is our Trust” in his poem that became the national anthem, “Star-spangled Banner.” Fifty years later, as America was embroiled in Civil War, Reverend M.R. Watkinson requested that our coins include a statement recognizing God to “relieve us from the ignominy of heathenism.” He, and many others, wished to show that God sided with Union.
Interestingly, two years earlier, President Eisenhower had pushed for the inclusion of “under God” in the pledge of allegiance. At his 1954 Flag Day speech, Eisenhower stated that, “In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war.”
Our nation’s motto first appears on postage
A little over two years before this, America issued the first definitive stamp bearing this motto in April 1954. The stamp, pictured below, was the first definitive with religious significance. The stamp was issued at the request of thousands of Americans calling for such a stamp with religious ties.
The stamp was unveiled in a nationwide television event attended by President Eisenhower, Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, and leaders of religious groups.