this was sent to me

I thought it was very interesting

Laus Deo

I thought that you and others may like to know 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, 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!"

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! 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 Do you
wonder why, when other nations fall into an abyss,
does the United States continually prosper? Now you
know, but do not let the arrogance of some instill
doubt within you. 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)

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 it.