One detail that is not mentioned, in DC, there can never
be a building of greater height than the Washington
Monument.
With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments,
etc... This is worth a moment or two of your time. I was not
aware of this historical information.
On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in
Washington DC, are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one
can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument
are totally unaware they are even there and for that
matter, probably couldn't care less.
Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share
this with everyone you know. But! these words have been
there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high,
perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of
our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise
the District of Columbia, capital of the United States
of America.
Laus Deo!
Two seemingly insignificant, un-noticed words. Out of sight
and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully
placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful
city in the most successful nation in the world.
So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just
four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very
simply, they say "Praise be to God!"
Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848,
when James Polk was President of the United States, it was
not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened
to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the
memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus
Deo ..........
Praise be to God!"
From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure,
visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the
city with it's division into four major segments. From that
vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of
the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant...a perfect cross
imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the
north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol
to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.
A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of
church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and
state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on.
How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry
a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.
Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps
and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the
landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th
Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the
20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on
the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from
New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16
and Proverbs 22:6.
Praise be to God!
When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on
July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including
the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to
God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the
spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of
our unique democracy.
"One Nation, Under God."
I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never
read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!
"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt
keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou
wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a
spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and
entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and
for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.
"And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to
dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean
ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of
mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of
our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of
whose example in these things we can never hope to be a
happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen"
Laus Deo!
When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public
places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily
find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed
everywhere you look.
You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", it's
location, or the architects but no one who reads this will
be able to forget it's meaning, or these words: "Unless the
Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the
Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in
vain." (Psalm127:1)
It is hoped you will send this to every child you know; to
every sister, brother, father, mother or friend. They will
not find offense, because you have given them a lesson in
history that they probably never learned in school. With
that, be not ashamed, or afraid, but have pity on those who
will never see.
"Praise be to God"
