CITIZENSHIP

KNOW OUR NATION'S MOTTO - IN GOD WE TRUST
IN 1861, the secretary of the Treasury wrote a letter to
the director of the United States Mint. "No nation can
be strong except in the strength of God, or safe except
in His defense," the letter said. "The trust of our people
in God should be declared on our national coins."
A vote of Congress made the secretary's suggestion
law, and the motto, In God We Thust, began to appear on
various coins. Since 1955, the motto has been stamped on every
coin produced by the U.S. Mint.

KNOW AMERICA'S PAST
AMERICA'S HISTORY is full of people acting with dedication, dignity,
and heroism. Some of America's best-known people are remembered for
their leadership, others for their educational skills, their writings, or their
inventions. Some served their country by sacrificing their lives. While
each of these people represents the achievements of one individual, he or
she also shows how the lives of all Americans are important to our nation.
Most of America's greats, though-pioneers, parents, youth group
leaders, teachers, community volunteers, and millions of others-have
made their contributions quietly. They shared their knowledge with
others, offered a heiping hand to those in need, and strove to keep their
communities on the right course. Through their deeds, they have
changed our country and the world.
The history of the United States is also full of significant places and
monuments, each with stories to tell. You might have visited some of the
most famous-the White House, perhaps, or Gettysburg Battlefield, the
USS Arizona monument at Pearl Harbor, or Yellowstone National Park.
Your town is sure to have locations that are important to its past. Reading
about American history and visiting museums, historical sites, and
library exhibits can increase your understanding and appreciation of your
nation and your place in it.