Wimpy Hank Yoho Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 I saw this on FaceBook, and thought I'd pass it along.. "LAUS DEO, Do you know what it means? ... LAUS DEO One detail that is never 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 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 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 this because someone failed to send it on" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 I saw this on FaceBook, and thought I'd pass it along.. "LAUS DEO, Do you know what it means? Without reading any more than that - It means Praise To God, or Praise Be To God. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wimpy Hank Yoho Posted November 5, 2011 Author Share Posted November 5, 2011 Without reading any more than that - It means Praise To God, or Praise Be To God. I Know You be an Educated Man Joe, I myself didn't finish the 10th grade. I did find it an interesting read though. and I don't mean no disrespect by my remark, either. ( I just didn't know what it meant.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 I Know You be an Educated Man Joe, I myself didn't finish the 10th grade. I did find it an interesting read though. and I don't mean no disrespect by my remark, either. ( I just didn't know what it meant.) Good Catholic grade school and jr. high. I don't remember much of the Latin, but some things, like Laudete Dominum and its variants do stick around. Knuckles are still sore when the weather gets cold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Windshadow Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 the aluminum cap at the time it was cast was a precious metal valued more highly than silver. not until the advent of reasonably priced electric power could it be smelted economically wealthily folk in the mid 19th cent would have their flatware made of it to impress their friends who could only afford silver Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethan Cord Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 Was there a few weeks ago. Geo Washington would concur with the Latin inscription o top of his memorial. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 the aluminum cap at the time it was cast was a precious metal valued more highly than silver. not until the advent of reasonably priced electric power could it be smelted economically wealthily folk in the mid 19th cent would have their flatware made of it to impress their friends who could only afford silver Here is a bit about aluminum and its historic value. From Wikipedia, but is a concise rewording of information from other places: Before the Hall-Héroult process was developed in the late 1880s, aluminium was exceedingly difficult to extract from its various ores. This made pure aluminium more valuable than gold. Bars of aluminium were exhibited at the Exposition Universelle of 1855. Napoleon III, Emperor of France, is reputed to have given a banquet where the most honoured guests were given aluminium utensils, while the others made do with gold. Aluminium was selected as the material to be used for the 100 ounce (2.8 kg) capstone of the Washington Monument in 1884, a time when one ounce (30 grams) cost the daily wage of a common worker on the project; The capstone, which was set in place on December 6, 1884, in an elaborate dedication ceremony, was the largest single piece of aluminium cast at the time, when aluminium was as expensive as silver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deja Vous Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 I Know You be an Educated Man Joe, I myself didn't finish the 10th grade. I did find it an interesting read though. and I don't mean no disrespect by my remark, either. ( I just didn't know what it meant.) Wimps... thanks... Praise be to God. I was talking to a friend today about why some believe and others don't. Some people, are hurt so deeply, and yet continue to believe and others simply give up I guess.. Anyhow the only real reason I could come up with was "If I did not believe, where would my grandparents, my first love, my mother, and all my friends and family be if they were not in heaven with God"... I can't imagine them not being any place after they leave me. Praise be to God, and to the season we are fast approaching! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wimpy Hank Yoho Posted November 6, 2011 Author Share Posted November 6, 2011 Yes, AMEM Deja. Yes Joe, I have melted and Poured a LOT of lb. of aluminum in the past years. It is amazing how many different alloys I have poured at the one aluminum foundry I worked at. Some really did look like Silver and some looked almost white in colar. That is really interesting too, about Napoleon and the capstone as well. I know aluminum is really different to work as well, as mostly I have worked with copper base alloys. ( I am mostly talking about pouring, sanding, drilling and polishing. Aluminum is, how to say it, a little strange at times.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 Weird stuff. Look at it wrong and it work hardens and cracks. Pain to try to torch weld - no color change, just "Blop!" it melts away. Clogs up grinding wheels and files. But, it's light and strong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deja Vous Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 Yes, AMEM Deja. Yes Joe, I have melted and Poured a LOT of lb. of aluminum in the past years. It is amazing how many different alloys I have poured at the one aluminum foundry I worked at. Some really did look like Silver and some looked almost white in colar. That is really interesting too, about Napoleon and the capstone as well. I know aluminum is really different to work as well, as mostly I have worked with copper base alloys. ( I am mostly talking about pouring, sanding, drilling and polishing. Aluminum is, how to say it, a little strange at times.) I heard once the fumes are dangerous, is that true? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wimpy Hank Yoho Posted November 6, 2011 Author Share Posted November 6, 2011 I heard once the fumes are dangerous, is that true? I don't think aluminum is all that toxic, some of the degassers I think are what Your probably thinkin' of Deja is Lead & Zinc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deja Vous Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 I don't think aluminum is all that toxic, some of the degassers I think are what Your probably thinkin' of Deja is Lead & Zinc K... I just remember being told not to breathe in the fumes ... You know Wimps.. the best part about being a girl is my dad never expect a ton from me, nor do guys.. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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