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(© Copyright 2012,
Max D. Hutto,
Minden, Louisiana, USA.)
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US History!
WHAT DOES LAUS DEO MEAN?
-- Author Unknown --
On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington DC,are
displayed two words: Laus Deo. [Lah-us Dee-o] 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 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, 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 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, 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)
-- Author Unknown --
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(© Copyright 2004, Max D. Hutto, Minden, Louisiana, USA.)
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