February 19, 2017: Del Rio News-Herald * OPINION * Letter to the Editor * Presidents' Day
Letter to the Editor,
February 20: Presidents Day
God and religion have been important to U.S. Presidents throughout American History.
Presidents Day is a great opportunity to remember that in America, God is and has always been foundational to this country and to our system of liberty.
Past Presidents have rightfully recognized God and religion.
God and religion have been of substantial importance to this country’s most revered and highly respected presidents as evidenced by the following notable quotes from Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy and Reagan as each focused on the fundamental role that God and religion play in American rights and government.
The belief that our rights come from God and that religion plays a prominent part in our nation’s public life is not partisan or sectarian; rather it is the uniquely American experience.
George Washington: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable." (Farewell Address, September 19, 1796)
Thomas Jefferson: “Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?” (State of Virginia Notes 1785, and on the Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C.)
Abraham Lincoln: “This nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.” (Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863)
Franklin D. Roosevelt: “This nation has placed its destiny in the hands of its millions of free men and women; and its faith in freedom under the guidance of God.” (State of the Union, January 6, 1941)
John F. Kennedy: “The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.” (Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961)
Ronald Reagan: “Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.” (“Evil Empire” Speech, March 8, 1983)
When taking the oath or affirmation of Office of the President of the United States most Presidents have used a Bible to solemnly adhere to their promise and some have even added to the required statement the solemn words, "So help me God."
Happy Presidents Day!
Marian Casillas, Ed.D.
God and religion have been important to U.S. Presidents throughout American History.
Presidents Day is a great opportunity to remember that in America, God is and has always been foundational to this country and to our system of liberty.
Past Presidents have rightfully recognized God and religion.
God and religion have been of substantial importance to this country’s most revered and highly respected presidents as evidenced by the following notable quotes from Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy and Reagan as each focused on the fundamental role that God and religion play in American rights and government.
The belief that our rights come from God and that religion plays a prominent part in our nation’s public life is not partisan or sectarian; rather it is the uniquely American experience.
George Washington: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable." (Farewell Address, September 19, 1796)
Thomas Jefferson: “Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?” (State of Virginia Notes 1785, and on the Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C.)
Abraham Lincoln: “This nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.” (Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863)
Franklin D. Roosevelt: “This nation has placed its destiny in the hands of its millions of free men and women; and its faith in freedom under the guidance of God.” (State of the Union, January 6, 1941)
John F. Kennedy: “The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.” (Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961)
Ronald Reagan: “Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.” (“Evil Empire” Speech, March 8, 1983)
When taking the oath or affirmation of Office of the President of the United States most Presidents have used a Bible to solemnly adhere to their promise and some have even added to the required statement the solemn words, "So help me God."
Happy Presidents Day!
Marian Casillas, Ed.D.