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 Briton’s oppressive rule, heavy taxes, and for signing the Declaration of Independence.
In 1888, “Laus Deo” was engraved on the aluminum cap, placed above the tip of the giant obelisk, The Washington Monument, which remains, to this day, the highest point in the capital city, of the most powerful nation on earth; construction on the Washington Monument began in1848. 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 over emphasized
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 in many federal buildings and places of prominence in US Federal Government.
The 45th President of the United States, emphasizes the importance of “God” in the very fabric of the Republic and in the government of the United States. He says “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”!
Joseph R. John, USNA ‘62
San Diego
