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Laus Deo
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. I was not aware of this amazing
historical information.
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.
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 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 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!'
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 is presentation made by 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 ever read
it? Well, now is your unique 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!
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.
Author Unknown
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