The American Wisdom Series

Presents
Pamphlet 348

Little known But very interesting facts about the Washington  Monument

High atop the  Washington  Monument I  thought that you and others may like to see 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 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  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 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)

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.