Central Texas Republican Women Pac

God has been part of the American story since the first settlers stepped onto the continent. The phrase, In God We Trust, first appeared on coins during the bloody Civil War. After WWII the effects of godless governments were emblazoned on the minds and hearts of all Americans and in 1956 the phrase was voted unanimously by Congress to be the United States National Motto. Also, under Eisenhower’s administration the National Motto was to be printed on the U.S. paper currency and the words Under God, were included in the Pledge of Allegiance. In 2011, Congressman Randy Forbes sponsored a resolution, that passed almost unanimously, that In God We Trust is indeed our National Motto and should be widely displayed. Many attempts to remove the mention of God from the public square have been made, but the courts have repeatedly rejected those efforts saying that simple references to God do not violate the U.S. Constitution, and the legal right to display the National Motto has been upheld. The 87th Texas Legislature amended Education Code 1.004 on the Display of the National Motto. The new law reads, “A public elementary of secondary school or an institution of higher education…must display in a conspicuous place in each building of the school or institution, a durable poster or framed copy of the United States National Motto, “In God We Trust”, if the poster or framed copy meets the requirements of Subsection (b) and is (1) donated for display at the school or institution…” In April of 2022, Abbie Cotham who was a Junior attending Lake Belton High School chose the "In God We Trust" project for her Senior year. Abbie, worked with her teachers and school principal to promote her project. In November, we saw this project finish with a presentation of 20 framed posters to Belton ISD. We are proud of our young conservative for a wonderful Americanism project.

Central Texas Republican Women supporting our community especially Veterans. Early on in the two-year cycle, we collaborated with Quilts of Valor to recognize our Primary and Associate Members with a very special “Tribute to our Veterans.” 25 Quilts were given to our Veterans. We had representation from allnbranch of services and Veterans from World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Iraqi War and Afghanistan. The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover a service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Laura Winckle a CTRW Member is Regional Director for Quilts of Valor, Texas Group: Quilters with a Heart. Quilts of Valor is a Non-Profit Organization. One quilt can cost up to $250.00 to complete. CTRW did contribute$500.00 to the Foundation.

Central Texas Republican Women celebrated the National Day of Prayer both years. We are fortunate that our County Officials support us and allowed us to Pray for America on our Court House Steps. We celebrated both days of prayer with our sister club, Salado Area Republican Women. The Color Guard was provided the Bell County Sheriff’s Office. Attendance has been phenomenal and this has become a yearly event for our clubs.

One of the oldest Parades in the US celebrating the 4th of July. CTRW has participated annually. With an estimated 30,000+ people lining the streets, and a live televised broadcast reaching around the world, the 100-year tradition of the Belton 4th of July Celebration will include a 1 1/2 mile parade route running south on Main Street (FM317) from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor to the Bell County Courthouse, then east on Central Avenue, and north on Birdwell to the Belton Police Memorial. All Supporting Organizations of the Republican Party of Bell County participated and our float was one of the very best recognized in Bell County. Everyone participating couldn’t get over the cheers and standing ovations as we proudly made our way down Main Street. The float was completely full both years with riders Young and Old! All sporting their Patriotic Spirit!