"It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation's humble, acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence."

-- President Franklin Pierce, Inaugural, March 4, 1853
 
 
 
 
"It therefore becomes our indispensable Duty, not only to acknowledge, in general with the rest of Mankind, our dependence on the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, but as a People peculiarly favoured, to testify our Gratitude to the Author of all our Mercies, in the most solemn and public manner."

-- John Langdon, Governor of New Hampshire, Proclamation, October 21, 1785