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, un-noticed 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, 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!

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, or 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 person 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 will probably never learn in public school.