WHEREAS,  "In God We Trust" is the official motto of the United States; and

WHEREAS,  in 2011, by resolution of the United States House of Representatives, with the concurrence of the United States Senate, the United States Congress reaffirmed "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States and supported and encouraged the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools and other government institutions; and

WHEREAS,  July 30, 2016 is the 60th anniversary of the adoption of "In God We Trust"; and

WHEREAS,  the sentiment, "In God We Trust," has been an integral part of United States society since its founding; and

WHEREAS,  the national anthem of the United States says "praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation . . . and this be our motto: in God is our trust"; and

WHEREAS,  "In God We Trust" appears over the south entrance to the United States Senate Chamber and above the Speaker's rostrum in the Chamber of the United States House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS,  the oath taken by all federal employees except the President states "I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God"; and

WHEREAS,  the Preamble of the Constitution of Maine states: "We the people of Maine, . . . acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity, so favorable to the design; and, imploring God's aid and direction in its accomplishment . . . "; and

WHEREAS,  all individuals have a natural and unalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; now, therefore, be it