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One detail that is never 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. In fact, most visitors to the monument are
totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care
less.
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 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.
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. 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.'
-Washington's prayer for America:
'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 ', 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)