LAUS DEO !
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, 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, 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.
