One detail that is not mentioned about government and religion is that
in the District of Columbia 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.
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 could not 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
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 never read it?
Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!
"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the
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 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 builder's labor in vain. Unless
the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."
(Psalm 127:1)
