One detail that is not mentioned is that in the District of Columbia 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.
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 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, 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 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 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, 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! 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.