When they learn there is a phase atop the monument that says."PRAISE BE TO GOD"?

It is true that the words “Laus Deo” are inscribed on one face of the aluminum point which crowns the apex of the Washington Monument. It took 25 years to finally cap the memorial, and on one side of the cap was a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo, a Latin phrase meaning, "Praise Be to God" No one can see these words. Actually, all four sides of the point bear inscriptions, as follows:
(EAST FACE.)
(NORTH FACE.)
JOINT COMMISSION
AT SETTING OF CAPSTONE.
AT SETTING OF CAPSTONE.
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
W. W. CORCORAN, Chairman.
M. E. BELL.
EDWARD CLARK.
JOHN NEWTON.
Act of August 2, 1876.
W. W. CORCORAN, Chairman.
M. E. BELL.
EDWARD CLARK.
JOHN NEWTON.
Act of August 2, 1876.
(WEST FACE.)
CORNER STONE LAID ON BED OF FOUNDATION
JULY 4, 1848.
JULY 4, 1848.
FIRST STONE AT HEIGHT OF 152 FEET LAID
AUGUST 7, 1880.
AUGUST 7, 1880.
CAPSTONE SET DECEMBER 6, 1884.
(SOUTH FACE.)
CHIEF ENGINEER AND ARCHITECT,
THOS. LINCOLN CASEY,
COLONEL, CORPS OF ENGINEERS.
THOS. LINCOLN CASEY,
COLONEL, CORPS OF ENGINEERS.
Assistants:
GEORGE W. DAVIS,
GEORGE W. DAVIS,
CAPTAIN, 14TH INFANTRY.
BERNARD R. GREEN,
CIVIL ENGINEER.
BERNARD R. GREEN,
CIVIL ENGINEER.
Master Mechanic.
P. H. MCLAUGHLIN.
P. H. MCLAUGHLIN.