One
detail that is never mentioned is that in 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."
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.