A History Lesson
On the aluminum cap, atop the
Washington Monument in Washington DC, are displayed two words: Laus Deo.
[Lah-us Dee-o] 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, 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, comprised of just four syllables and
only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!"
[Laus is Praise be and Deo means 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,
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!
As you probably guessed, over 92 percent of Americans like the idea that our
Pledge of allegiance includes the phrase "under God." It is clear when one
studies the history of our great nation, that Washington's America was one of
the few countries in all the world established under the Guidance, direction
and banner of Almighty God, to whom was given all praise, honor and worship by
the great men who formed and fashioned her pivotal foundations. 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.
Though many try to disprove and reason, their arguments are weak and easily
proven without basis. Their efforts will forever be in vain; God assures us of
that. Have you noticed as of late, how many more people are coming together,
affirming the fact that this nation was, from the beginning, built on God? Any
nation that is not built upon God will fail.
Do you wonder why, when other nations fall into an abyss, does the United
States continually prosper? Now you know, but do not let the arrogance of some
instill doubt within you. The truth is... We have always been one nation under
God! Laus Deo! Praise be to God!
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." 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 it.
