Laus Deo

Of 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.

But these words have been there for many years; they are 555
feet, 5.125 inches high, perched top 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.

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.

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."

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)




- I received this by e-mail in a forward, and while I usually find forwards extremely annoying, this one I felt should be posted.

Laus Deo!
Jennifer