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 maytake 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 to the south, the Capitol to the
east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. A cross you ask? Yes,
a cross; Why a cross? What about separation of church and
state? 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.

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