Our first president, George Washington, was the first rose breeder in the United States. He hybridized a rose and named it after his mother, the ‘Mary Washington’ rose. It’s an old garden variety known for its large, fragrant blooms. The rose is one of the oldest flowers, is edible and rich in Vitamin C, and is notable for its range of fragrances, often used in perfumes. 

In 1986, the rose became the floral emblem of the United States. As Ronald Reagan put it, we are a God-decorated land, a country vast in natural beauty and abundant resources. It’s fitting that a flower representative of honor, love, and devotion be named as our floral emblem—they are all things we attribute to God, our Creator. “All day long I’ll praise and honor You, O God, for all that You have done for me.” (Psalm 71:8) Let those who love Your salvation exclaim, “What a wonderful God he is!” (Psalm 70:4) 

A 20th century president echoed the sentiment of our founding fathers—and it’s the definitive reason our nation’s prosperity endures. The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God shall stand forever (Isaiah 40:8). Our provision is in our faithful God, our hope is in the salvation of God, and both encourage our devotion to God. His love and His word are eternal. When God is the rejoicing of our heart, blessing will be the response of His.

(excerpt from GOD BLESS AMERICA, Scriptures, Devotions, and Prayers for Our Nation)