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.

 

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   top 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 to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln
Memorial to the west.

 

 

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 land! ings 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!

 

 

 

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)