'Go Fly a Kite,' Texas Police Chief Tells Freedom From Religion Foundation After Complaint About 'In God We Trust' Decals

By Leonardo Blair, Senior Reporter Thursday, October 01, 2015

A Childress Police Department patrol unit in Texas bearing the 'In God We Trust' decal. | (Photo: Childress Police Department)

In a curt response to the Freedom From Religion Foundation's demand that decals bearing the nation's motto "In God we trust" be removed from patrol vehicles, Childress Police Chief Adrian Garcia in Texas told the organization to "go fly a kite."

Garcia, who posted a copy of his response to the organization to Facebook on Monday, is now being praised as a hero after his reaction letter went viral.

"After carefully reading your letter, I must deny your request in the removal of our Nations (sic) motto from our patrol units, and ask that you and the Freedom From Religion Foundation go fly a kite," wrote Garcia in a letter to Annie Laurie Gaylor co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

In a joint statement in support of Garcia, state Sen. Charles Perry and Rep. Drew Springer agreed that the Freedom From Religion Foundation's request is "un-American."

"'In God We Trust' was designated the national motto of the United States in 1956 after legislation passed by Congress was signed by President Dwight Eisenhower. The group behind the letter to Childress, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, has unsuccessfully fought to remove 'In God We Trust' from other government fixtures such as currency and courthouses in the past," said the statement.

"I stand firmly with Chief Adrian Garcia and the Childress Police Department as they protect their right to display 'In God We Trust' on patrol cars," said Perry. "We live in a country with a rich history of celebrating faith and honoring religious liberty. It is un-American to suggest a police department should not be allowed to display our national motto."

"Our law enforcement officers work hard to keep our communities safe and deserve our support, not demands like this," said Springer. "We are in the middle of a spiritual battle in America right now, with the issue of religious liberty front and center. I am proud of Childress Police Department for standing strong."