SwiftVets.com

[SBD]

Sent: Wednesday, March 02, 2005 8:09 AM
Subject: LAUS DEO - A little history & info re: church & state


LAUS DEO - A little history lesson you may enjoy

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.

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 it's division into four
major segments. From that vantage point, 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 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 . . . 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", it's location, 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. With that, be not ashamed.

God's
Riches
At
Christ's
Expense

[GenrXr]

Thanks SBD, very pertinent to todays atmosphere.
_________________
"An activist is the person who cleans up the water, not the one claiming its dirty."
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to stand by and do nothing." Edmund Burke (1729-1797), Founder of Conservative Philosophy