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One detail that is never mentioned is that in Washington , D.C. 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 amazing historical information.
On the aluminum cap, atop the
Washington Monument in Washington , D.C. , 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. 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, unnoticed
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 its 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 ever 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 ', its location, or the architects but no one who
reads this will be able to forget its 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' (Psalm 127: 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 this because
someone failed to send it on..
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