Mississippi Motto

Mississippi 

Virtute et armis 

• “By valor and arms”  

The committee that designed a Coat of Arms was assigned by legislative action on February 7, 1894. On that shield, the Mississippi motto is printed in gold letters on a white background stating, “Virtute et armis.” Selected by James Rhea Preston, the inspiration came from another motto by Lord Gray De Wilton, Virtute Non Armis Fido, which means, “I trust in virtue not arms.” Mississippi’s motto is not an official state motto, but it has been accepted as an element of the Mississippi Code in Title 3, Chapter 3. Title 3 states the state sovereignty, jurisdiction, and holidays and Chapter 3 is about State Boundaries, Holidays, and State Emblems.  

This motto, Virtute et armis, is significant to the state of Mississippi; this means “by valor and arms.” In the motto, the word “valor” is meant to be interpreted as courage and “arms” for strength. I think this is an appropriate motto for a state because it gives the idea that the state is strong and courageous and is able to support the needs of the people living there. A state needs to be strong because without strength in numbers, businesses, etc., a person would not be willing to move there. A state needs to be courageous because that lets a person know they have the opportunity to thrive in the face of something that isn’t considered ideal.  

 

Made in Mississippi -  

http://www.madeinmississippi.us/mississippi-coat-of-arms-and-motto/ 

Netstate - https://www.netstate.com/states/mottoes/ms_motto.htm 

Merriam Webster - https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtute%20et%20armis 

eReference Desk - https://www.ereferencedesk.com/resources/state-motto/mississippi.html 

QuoteScoop - https://www.inspirational-quotes-short-funny-stuff.com/mississippi-state-motto.html 

Bryson Boyette