Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is a towering obelisk located in Washington, D.C., USA. Standing at 555 feet tall, it is the centerpiece of the National Mall and a symbol of the country’s first president, George Washington. The monument is made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss, and it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
Design and Construction of the Monument
The Washington Monument was designed by architect Robert Mills in 1836, and construction began in 1848. However, the project was halted due to funding issues and the Civil War. The monument was finally completed in 1884, nearly 36 years after construction began. The obelisk is surrounded by 50 American flags, symbolizing the 50 states of the United States of America.
Inscriptions on the Monument
The Washington Monument is inscribed with various words and phrases that commemorate the life and legacy of George Washington. There are 193 memorial stones on the interior walls of the monument, donated by individuals, states, cities, and countries. Additionally, there are four inscriptions on the exterior of the monument, one on each face.
Words on the East Face of the Monument
On the east face of the Washington Monument, the words "Laus Deo" are inscribed near the top of the monument. This phrase is Latin for "Praise be to God" and represents the gratitude and devotion of the American people to God.
Words on the West Face of the Monument
On the west face of the Washington Monument, the words "In God We Trust" are inscribed near the top. This phrase is the official motto of the United States and expresses the country’s faith in God and its commitment to upholding moral values.
Words on the North Face of the Monument
On the north face of the Washington Monument, the words "George Washington" are inscribed in large letters near the top. This inscription is the most prominent of all the inscriptions and serves as a tribute to the first president of the United States.
Words on the South Face of the Monument
On the south face of the Washington Monument, the words "E Pluribus Unum" are inscribed near the top. This phrase is Latin for "Out of many, one" and represents the idea of unity and diversity in America.
Order of the Words on the Monument
The words on the Washington Monument are arranged in a specific order, with "Laus Deo" on the east face, "In God We Trust" on the west face, "George Washington" on the north face, and "E Pluribus Unum" on the south face. This order was chosen to reflect the values and beliefs of the American people.
Meaning Behind the Words
The words on the Washington Monument express the ideals and principles that have shaped America since its founding. They represent the country’s faith in God, its commitment to unity and diversity, and its respect for its founding father, George Washington.
Controversy Surrounding the Inscriptions
The inscriptions on the Washington Monument have been the subject of controversy and debate over the years. Some people believe that the emphasis on God and patriotism is exclusionary and does not represent the diversity of the American people. Others argue that the inscriptions represent the values and beliefs that have made America great.
Preservation of the Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is a national treasure and is maintained by the National Park Service. The monument underwent a major restoration project in 2013, which included repairing cracks and restoring the exterior stones to their original color.
Conclusion: Significance of the Monument’s Inscriptions
The words on the Washington Monument represent the core values and beliefs that have shaped America into the country it is today. They serve as a reminder of the sacrifices and achievements of George Washington and the American people and inspire patriotism and pride in the country’s heritage. The monument is a testament to the enduring legacy of America’s founding father and the enduring spirit of the country he helped to create.
