Laus Deo 

We thought that you and others may like to know this. One detail that is not  mentioned in DC, 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 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 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, un-noticed 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 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 bother to notice. 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.

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!

"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."

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 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, 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 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", 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)

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 it.