NOTE: I didn't know this until a friend sent me this article, and
also told me that, in DC, there can never be a building of greater
height than the Washington Monument. With all the uproar in this
country about removing the Ten Commandments, etc., from public
monuments, this is worth a moment or two of your time. I was not
aware of this historical information. But it is am amazing fact
every Christian in America should share with their saved and unsaved
friends!

A VERY INTERESTING HISTORY LESSON OF OUR COUNTRY

"LAUS DEO"

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, 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 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. (NOTE: How
did they know we would have 50 states NOW, when they built it in
1888? Sounds a little like the Great Pyramid!)

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—"The
memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the
wicked will not." Luke 18:16—"But Jesus called the children to Him
and said, `Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder
them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'" Proverbs
22:6—"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he
will not turn from it."

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. 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."

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", 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…
Laus Deo!