ATOP THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT, ARE DISPLAYED TWO
WORDS
One detail that is seldom mentioned is that in
Washington, D.C. 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, D.C., 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.
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, 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 in1848,
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.
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 George Washington's prayer for America ....
Have you ever 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!
It is hoped you will send this to every sister, brother,
father, mother or friend. They will not find it offensive 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 for
those who will never see this because someone failed to send it on.
Thank you Rocky Randall
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