Subject:
From the Internet
LAUS DEO
!
On the aluminum cap, atop the
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
Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant,
un-noticed 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, comprised 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
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
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.
Praise be to God!
When the cornerstone of the
I am awed by
"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep 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
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", it's
location, or the architects 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: 1)
Let us remember to do our part, through prayers and
sacrifice, to be the watchmen who stand their guard. 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.