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 have no idea they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less! Once you know the history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. I do.

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, comprising just four syllables and only seven letters possibly mean? Very simply, they say, "Praise be to God!" (Laus are "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 the tribute Laus Deo! Praise be to God!From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure a visitor can 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.A cross, you ask? Why a cross? What about the 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 it is 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 4, 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 . . . 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 might have 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. 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," 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)
Long may we live under GOD.
Laus Deo!!