By Capt Joseph R. John, March 29, 2019: Op Ed #427     

A Latin phrase, “Laus Deo”, which translates to “Praise be to God” has significance in the history of the Republic.  Those words were often intoned by the Founding Fathers and especially on October 19, 1781, following General George Washington’s victory over General Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown.  It was the decisive battle that ended the Revolutionary War.  The Founding Fathers lives were no longer at risk for leading in the effort to break away from Great Britain’s oppressive rule, heavy taxes, and for signing the Declaration of Independence.  “Laus Deo” is more fully explained in the below listed article by Gil Borgardt.

In 1888, “Laus Deo” was engraved on the aluminum cap, placed above the tip of the giant obelisk, the Washington Monument, which to this day, remains the highest point in the capital city of the most powerful nation on earth.  Construction on the Washington Monument began in 1848.  Going back to the birth of the nation, the belief in “Almighty God” by Patriotic Americans has always been the bedrock of the nation, and united citizens of the Republic.  The importance of the phrase “Laus Deo” and its meaning cannot be overemphasized.

In the below listed prayer for “America”, George Washington provides a strong indication of just how significant the belief in “God” has always been in the religion of the citizens, and in the conduct of government of the United States:  

"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.”

“In God We Trust” is the Motto given to the Republic by the Founding Fathers.  The Motto is on all US minted coins & printed currency and it has been inscribed on many federal buildings and places of prominence in US Federal Government.

The 45th President of the United States emphasized the importance of “God” in the very fabric of the Republic and in the government of the United States.  He said, “Faith is more powerful than government, and nothing is more powerful than God.”  Many Americans believe that their liberty comes from their Creator, and their rights are given to them by the hand of “Almighty God.”
 

The Founding Fathers believed in God and considered Religious Liberty of the utmost importance.  They guaranteed the Freedom of Religion by enshrining it in the very 1st Amendment in the Bill of Rights, in the US Constitution.  Four times within the body of the US Constitution, the Founding Fathers invoked or refer to the Creator.

We ask God to forever bless this magnificent land, and we praise Him for the blessings of the Freedoms we all enjoy.  “Laus Deo!”

Copyright by Capt Joseph R. John.  All Rights Reserved.  The material can only posted on another Web site or distributed on the Internet by giving full credit to the author.  It may not be published, broadcast, or rewritten without the permission from the author 

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Gil Borgardt 

My guess is that 95% of those receiving this email know the meaning of

“Laus Deo”. For those of you who do not know …..or have forgotten

…..please read on:

One detail that is seldom 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 always 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 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.

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 George Washington's prayer for America .... Have you ever

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!

It is hoped you will send this to every sister, brother, father,

mother or friend.

They will not find it 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 this because someone failed to send it on