A little history,

that our Founding Fathers wanted us to remember...

Laus Deo

What does it mean?

One detail rarely 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,

any mention of God, 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 dispalyed two words:

Laus Deo

No one can see these words!

In fact, most visitors to the monument are

totally unaware they are ever there,

and for that matter,

probably could 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 God of our nation,

overlooking the 69 square miles,

which comprise the District of Columbia,

the capitol of the United States of America.

Laus Deo

2 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 powerful nation in the world.

So, what do those two words, in Latin,

composed of just 4 syllables and only 7 letters,

possibly mean?

Very simply, they say,

"Praise be to God!"

Though construction of this giant obelisk began in1848,

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 25 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.

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 and 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 presnented by some Chinese Christians.

On the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children

from New York and Philadelphia quotes

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 4, 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, 

George Washington,

 the founder and first President of our unique Republic.

One Nation, Under God

His prayer for America follows:

"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 the 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 charateristices of the

Divine Autor 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."

When one stops to observe the inscriptions found

in public places all over our nation's capitol,

one will easily find the signature of God,

as it is unmistakable 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)