Laus Deo

On the aluminum cap a top the Washington Moument are displayed two words Laus Deo. No one can see these        words, most vistors are unaware they are there.  These words have been there many years. they are 555', 5.125" high perched a top the moument facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 sq. miles which compise the District of Columbia, captial of the U,S, of America.   Laos Deo! Two words that seem insignificant, out of sight out of mind, but very meaningfull placed at the highest point over what is the most successful nation in the world.   What do these two words in Latin mean? Very simply, "Praise Be To God"     This structure began in 1848 when James Polk was President of the United States., it was finished and opened to the public in 1888. It took 25 years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our Nation.   Laus Deom"Praise Be To God". From a top of this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors of the city with its division in 4 major segments. From that vantage point, one can easiley see the orginial plan of the designer 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 Captial to the west and the Lincoln Memorial east.  A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about sepration of church and state was not, is not in the Constitution. How interesting and no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.    When the cornerstone of the Washington Moument was laid on July 4, 1848 deposited with in it were many items including the Holy Bible presented to the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder of our first President of our unique demorcy "One Nation, Under God".    "Almighty God; we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United Syates in, Thy Holy Proection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens of the to cultivate a spirit and obedience to goverment; and entain a brotherly affection and love for one another at large.  And finally that Thou most gracious be pleased to dispose us to all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility and pacific temperof mind which were the characeteristics of the Devine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imetation of those who example in these things we can never hope to a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we besech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord.m  Amen. "Laus Deo"  I never knew this and it wasn't in any of my history books, but I thought I'd share a little bit of history with everyone who reads this. God Bless