ONE NATION UNDER GOD: More Than a Sign, a Beacon of Hope
LaSalle County | Yorkville Herald
Have you noticed an increase in “One Nation Under God” signs while traveling through LaSalle County and the surrounding area? Recently, the signs have become more visible along rural roads and in residential yards. While the phrase has long been associated with American identity, it has taken on a more specific local meaning tied to a proposed development that is drawing attention and debate.
The signs are part of a grassroots effort organized through the website Defend LaSalle, which outlines community concerns about a redevelopment plan for the former Fox River Resort in Sheridan. According to the group, a company identified as Vairt, also marketed as V Resort Living, is exploring plans to transform the property into a large-scale residential-style development with hundreds of units. Such a project could significantly increase population density in what has traditionally been a rural area.
On the Defend LaSalle website, the group explains that it chose the phrase “One Nation Under God” to emphasize the belief that the United States should remain unified under a single constitutional and legal framework, rather than divided into separate cultural or religious enclaves. The site states, “We affirm that our nation has a biblically based moral and constitutional order, rooted in accountability to God, equal justice under law, and civic unity.”
Defend LaSalle argues that any development of this scale raises legitimate questions that deserve public scrutiny. The group highlights concerns related to infrastructure capacity, potential tax impacts, zoning and land use, transparency, environmental effects, and the developer’s background. Supporters say these are standard considerations for a project that could significantly reshape the local community.
Michelle Peterson, speaking on behalf of Defend LaSalle, said the proposal represents “more than a local zoning issue,” suggesting it is part of a broader global context. She pointed to what she described as a “global movement” reflected in the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, which promotes international cooperation on issues such as sustainable development, urban planning, migration, and economic policy.
Peterson expressed concern that, although these initiatives are often framed as voluntary and humanitarian, their “cumulative effect” could, in her view, “diminish national sovereignty” and “weaken local control.” She also said they could affect what she described as the “Christian values and traditions” that have historically shaped American society.
She also expressed concern that “large-scale migration and rapid demographic change” seen in some Western nations can transform communities quickly, sometimes faster than residents can fully participate in decisions or adapt to change.
For Peterson and others involved with Defend LaSalle, maintaining engagement is key. She emphasized that preserving “America’s constitutional system, local self-government, and Christian foundation” requires residents to stay involved when major developments are proposed. She added that the group’s goal is to “encourage transparency, public participation, and local accountability” before decisions are made that could permanently reshape LaSalle County.
The proposal has not yet formally come before LaSalle County for approval, but it has already sparked public discussion. At a June 8, 2026, county board meeting, comments by District 4 Board Member James Reid about the proposed development drew criticism from the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), which subsequently called for Reid to be censured according to a press release.
As the situation continues to develop, public meetings are expected to play a key role in determining the project’s future. Organizers with Defend LaSalle are encouraging residents to attend local and county board meetings, ask questions, and participate in the decision-making process.
The “One Nation Under God” signs serve as a visible expression of a broader conversation taking place across LaSalle County. They reflect ongoing discussions about land use, local governance, community identity, responsible growth, and the role of the nation’s Christian heritage in shaping values and civic life. Regardless of where people stand on these issues, the signs are intended to encourage community engagement, thoughtful dialogue, and participation in decisions that will influence the county’s future.
Click below for more information on where to purchase a “One Nation Under God” sign.
Sources
Defend LaSalle. Defend LaSalle. http://www.defendlasalle.com/. Accessed 30 June 2026.
United Nations. Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations, 2015, https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda. Accessed 30 June 2026. [sdgs.un.org]
Council on American-Islamic Relations. “CAIR-Chicago Calls for Censure of La Salle Co. Board Member Over Islamophobic Remarks.” CAIR, 16 June 2026, https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-chicago-calls-for-censure-of-la-salle-co-board-member-over-islamophobic-remarks/. Accessed 30 June 2026. [cair.com]
