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 there they are...5.125 inches high ... perched atop the monument to
the father of our nation. The Washington Monument is 55 feet
wide at the base and 555 feet tall, overlooking the 69
square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of
the United States of America. It is made of 36,000 stones of marble (from
Maryland) and granite (from Maine) and weighs 90,000 tons. The monument
sees about 800,000 visitors a year.
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!" [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 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 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 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. 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) Let us
remember to do our part, through prayers and sacrifice, to be the watchmen
who stand their guard.
It is hoped that you will inform about this 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.
~Collected
from the Internet, writer unknown~
Thank
God for what you have; trust Him for what you need. |
Tim
|