The words "In God We Trust" can be found on everything from currency to license plates. Now, thanks to the efforts of House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville), the nation's official motto has been boldly emblazoned over the dias in the State House chambers.
Ledbetter joined host Greg Davis on WXJC Radio's "Priority Talk" Wednesday to explain how the new addition came about. Ledbetter said that after remembering State Rep. David Standridge's (R-Hayden) suggestion from two sessions ago and seeing the unrest gripping the country last summer, God laid the idea on his heart.
"You called me about this because what I didn't want to do is make it political because it's not political to me," Ledbetter told Davis, the president and CEO of Alabama Citizens Action Program. "It was just the right thing to do. And I got to thinking, with everything that's going on, with all the turmoil, if somebody looked up and was able to read that, maybe that would make them feel like they're in a better place or make the decision that they feel led to be made."
Ledbetter said it took two months to order the letters and complete the installation. Now, he hopes those words will positively impact lawmakers and future legislative sessions.
"We wanted to put it in a prominent place, and I couldn't think of a better place to see it because most of the time, all the eyes are to the board to see how the vote comes… We represent people in this great state, and I think it reflects all of our values," he said.
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