National Motto

What is your nation's motto? Is it different from what's on your nation page? Why?
The motto is "Voluntatem Habemus" and is as noted on our nation page.

If applicable, translate/transliterate the motto: into English if it's in a different language, back to the original if it's pre-translated.
The motto is in Latin, and translates as "We have the will."

Where did the motto come from? Who said/wrote it, and in what context?
It has been 45 years now since the people of Verdant Haven rose up and overthrew the insane despot who cruelly manipulated their lives. Loyalist forces had been systematically overwhelming the scattered local militias and resistance units, and seemed poised to crush the final holdouts in one last set-piece battle. The phrase was used by rebel commander Iskandar Viridi in a speech to rally the beleaguered troops and call the citizens to arms.

Why was/is the motto important?
Despite what seemed like insurmountable odds, the rebels triumphed in the battle with the help of a tremendous surge in resistance activities by everyday civilians fighting back against the loyalists. This battle turned the tide in favor of the rebellion, and the speech became legendary. The speaker, commander Viridi, went on to become the first president of the Federated Bailiwicks.

Is the motto official or unofficial? How did it achieve that status?
It is official, and was adopted in the first session of the National Chamber when the government was established post-revolution.

How does the government relate to it? How do the people?
Though the veterans and survivors of the revolution are growing older, it is still proximal enough in the nation's history that it is held dear.

Are there other mottoes which complement or compete with the primary motto in the public consciousness?
Not in active use.

Have there been other mottoes in the past? When and why were they replaced?
The motto of the royal family that ruled Verdant Haven for centuries was "Per Leges." The final dictator who provoked the rebellion changed it, in his madness, to "We have weapons."