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

[James W. Thompson, II]

Not to rain on the patriotic parade but this is an interesting read
related to this posting:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/monument.asp



On Wed, 5 Jan 2005 23:15:39 -0500, Fred A. Miller <fmiller at lightlink.com> wrote:
> 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.
> 
> --
> The only bug free software from MickySoft is still shrink-wrapped
> in their warehouse..."
> 
> _______________________________________________
> ChristianSource FSLUG mailing list
> Christiansource at ofb.biz
> http://cs.uninetsolutions.com
> 


-- 
James W. Thompson, II (New Orleans, LA)