Submitted By Gerry Mayfield
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. I do.
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!” [Laus is
‘Praise be’ and Deo means ‘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 25
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? How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning
for those who 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.
When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4, 1848, deposited
within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society.
Such was the discipline, the moral direction, 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
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.” 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. 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,” 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:
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.
Please place in the Subject Line: WEBPAGE-HISTORY 
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