One detail that is not mentioned, in DC, is that 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
imformation.
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 555feet,
5.125 inches high, perched on top of 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
andonly 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, LausDeo .......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 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", 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.
Have A Nice Day