The Washington Monument was completed at a height of 555 feet and first opened on February 21, 1885. In 1899 a law of restrictions for buildings in DC was established..it stated there could never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument and/or above a height of 130 feet.  (This was supposedly the height that firefighting equipment could reach at the time). The Capitol Building was constructed between 1871 and 1886, and is 288 feet tall; the restriction is clearly lower than these structures.

On the 100 ounce aluminum cap atop the Washington Monument in Washington DC are 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. But there they are…5.125 inches high…atop the monument dedicated to the father of our nation.

These words have been there for these many years, perched atop the monument, facing skyward and 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, yet 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? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? The separation of church and state was not and is not in the Constitution. How interesting that it may  carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.

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 a group of 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.

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! 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.”

George Washington's Prayer after his Inauguration…have you ever read it? If not, do so now.

"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!

If you stop to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capital, you will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look.

The width and height of "Laus Deo”, its location, or the architects may be forgotten... 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

- Author Unknown

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In one of God’s Other Ways© He reminds us that He has been with us since our forefathers founded America, and He continues to watch over our country.                  

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

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I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.  Proverbs 29:2 NKJV

What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. Psalm 33:12 NLT

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If you have a story that you think might bless others, I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.

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