Monday, former Governor Phil Bryant joined Y’all Politics to discuss the historic vote by the Mississippi Legislature to change the state flag, removing the Confederate battle emblem in favor of a new flag that must contain the motto, “In God We Trust.”
Bryant sees it as an unifying force behind the push to retire the current flag, as well as an opportunity for Mississippi to unite under the Almighty in these challenging times.
In his 2014 State of the State Address, Bryant called on the Legislature then to add the national motto to the state seal.
“I continue to believe this is the right time to stand for our beliefs—our faith, our families, and our nation. To strengthen our resolve, I have asked that we take a bold step for God and country,” Bryant told lawmakers in the joint session. “With your help, the seal of the State of Mississippi will, from this session forward, reflect the simple yet profound words ‘In God We Trust.'”
A bill passed that year to add the phrase to the state seal.
In 2018, the state seal with “In God We Trust” was added to Mississippi license plates, where Bryant said he was delighted to see it adorn vehicles across the state.
I was proud to sign legislation in 2014 that added the United States National Motto, “In God We Trust,” to the Mississippi State Seal. Today, I am equally delighted to announce that it will adorn our new Mississippi license plates. They will be available starting in January 2019. pic.twitter.com/VXHZ0q7Qvi
— Phil Bryant (@PhilBryantMS) May 10, 2018
The full interview is below.
Frank Corder
