Politics & Government

God Debuts at San Juan Capistrano City Hall

The nation's motto, "In God we trust," and a freedom shrine will be dedicated before Tuesday's City Council meeting.

God will be making his debut at San Juan Capistrano City Hall next week.

In March, despite the objection of some in the community, the City Council approved putting a “freedom shrine” in the council chambers that includes the nation’s motto, In God we trust.

The move was suggested by local resident Jeff Péo, whose church was willing to foot the bill. Mission San Juan Capistrano and the  Exchange Clubs of Irvine and South Orange County also contributed to the effort, according to a city press release.

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The end result will be on display Tuesday with a public dedication at 5:30 p.m. before the City Council meeting starts at 6.

Some information about the shrine from the city:

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The display is a collection of some of the documents that enshrine and celebrate America's freedom, from the Declaration of Independence to the Gettysburg Address. 

The Freedom Shrine, which serves as a window to America's past, originated from the Freedom Train that toured the nation in 1947, carrying an exhibit of historical documents.

Thousands of shrines have been dedicated around the country - in universities, libraries, schools, state capitals, and city halls.


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