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One detail that is never 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. I
was not aware of this amazing historical information.
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 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 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, 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 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!
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)
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 this because
someone failed to send it on.
Author
unknown, from an e-mail |
