LAUS DEO: A HISTORY LESSON
A little history lesson you may enjoy.
I thought that you and others may like to see this.
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 information.
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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
could not 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 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 18:1 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.
Something to share and be sure the younger generation sees this too!!!
