LAUS DEO - Do you know what it means?

LAUS DEO

One detail that is seldom 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.

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. are displayed two words: Laus Deo

No one can see these words. Most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are there, and probably could 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' 5.125" 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. Our 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, mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God?"

Through 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 I'Enfant....a perfect cross, with the White House to the north, Jefferson Memorial to the south, Capitol to the east, and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.

A cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. 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 by the City of Baltimore. On the 20th landing is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians. On the 24th landing is 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 republic "One Nation, Under God."

Washington's prayer for America was: "Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in They 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 will 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 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 nations capitol, we 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

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14

Mickey & I have been blessed to visit D.C. and climb those 898 steps and view the cross outline. To see and read the depictions of Moses on, and in, The Supreme Count building. We have commented that to take "God" out of everything they would have to tear down D.C. because it is everywhere in those hallowed buildings.

We are once again humbled and praying. Please join us.