[CS-FSLUG] A little history lesson you may enjoy

[Fred A. Miller]

A little history lesson you may enjoy 


  Subject: lauus dios 


  I thought that you and others may like to see this.  One detail that is not 
mentioned, in DC, 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 historical 
information. 

  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. 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, 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, 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!" 

  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? 
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. 

  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 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 never 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. 

  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) 

  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.

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