The North Carolina House recently passed two patriotism bills supporting public displays of national values and remembrance.
House Bill 16 would authorize the prominent display of the national motto, “In God We Trust,” in the General Assembly directly behind the House Speaker and Senate President’s chairs.
The phrase became the national motto in 1956, stated Rep. Ben Moss, R-Richmond, when explaining the bill, which passed in a 100-17 vote.
“This display would not be unique to just our chambers,” said Moss. “It’s on our currency, it’s in the US House and other governmental buildings. In God We Trust is a legitimate expression of our national identity.”
On the same day, House Bill 236 passed 102-14, designating a “Freedom Flag” as a symbol of North Carolina’s continued remembrance of the lives lost due to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The bill aims to encourage continued remembrance of the lives lost and the resilience shown in the aftermath of the attacks. The flag, which has been created by the Freedom Flag Foundation, would be authorized to fly on all public buildings on Sept. 11 each year. Virginia enacted a similar measure in 2018.
“House Bill 236 would basically allow us to honor the victims of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks,” said Moss. “It will be a flag that will be flown alongside our state and nation’s flags, at public buildings, and courthouses.”
Meanwhile, legislation is moving forward in the House that bans most flags from being displayed on government property. The “Depoliticize Government Property Act” (HB 244) introduces measures to restrict non-official flags from being displayed to maintain a neutral stance on government grounds. The House Committee on State and Local Government approved the bill forward on Tuesday afternoon.
SEE ALSO: Bill calls for only American, NC flags on state government buildings
Both bills passed on Tuesday will now head to the North Carolina Senate.
The post Bills honoring national motto and 9/11 clear NC House first appeared on Carolina Journal.