Motto and Meaning
ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem
By the sword she [i.e. the state] seeks peaceful rest under liberty. (Massachusetts)
Sicut patribus nostris sit Deus Nobis
May God be disposed toward us as he was to our forefathers.
(Boston)
esse quam videri
To be rather than to seem.
(N. Carolina)
esto perpetuo
Be eternal.
(Idaho)
excelsior
Higher
(New York)