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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

A History Lesson

   LAUS DEO 
Do you know what it means?
  
    One detail that is never mentioned is that in Washington, D.C., 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 amazing historical information.
    On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., 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.  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 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?  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.'
       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 ', its location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget its 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)

11 comments:

Jenny Moore said...

I have heard this lesson before, but couldn't tell you where. It's amazing where our nation has gone since the building of D.C. Can't say I'm happy with it at all! Thanks for the lovely reminder of the original values of this country.

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

This is so interesting. I've heard it before but it really bears repeating. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for stopping by and entering my little giveaway ~ good luck to you!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

jeff campbell said...

I did not know...thanks for this very informative posting...Peace and blessings

Unknown said...

Yes, this is all so important to spread the word, of. God is everywhere throughout our structures & documents that this nation was founded & built upon. Most people are totally oblivious to this ... TY for sharing ...

Have a lovely week.
TTFN ~Marydon

Chatty Crone said...

I have never heard that before - but it's quite interesting. I hope they won't remove that!!!!!!

sandie

Christy said...

We were there for the March for Life and got to go up in the Monument. Unfortunately they don't let you walk the steps and so you miss so very much. Thanks for the history!

LuLu Kellogg said...

Thanks for the history lesson this morning!

Wishing you a lovely day,
LuLu♥

Terra said...

I have not heard this though it did sound vaguely familiar. I learned a lot about these buildings inscriptions in the last Dan Brown book (that I didn't love that much) maybe I read a clip in their? ANyway, cool lesson.

Tiffanee said...

I had never heard that before. Now I am wanting to go to D.C. and experience it all. I have to tell you I got chills and teared up while reading this post. Thanks for an AMAZING post. You totally touched my heart. Thanks for showing goodness and making my day!!

LV said...

Thank you for a history story today. I enjoyed reading all about some of the buildings in DC.

Julie Kwiatkowski Schuler said...

Someone should tell all this to our philandering senators.