On this day in 1775, Virginia lawyer Patrick Henry stood before the Virginia Assembly in Richmond’s St. John’s Church and spoke the words that still ring out today:
Gentlemen may cry, “Peace! Peace!” — but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!
The entire speech can be found here. Henry would go on to serve as governor of the Commonwealth.
Those who walked before us light the pathway even now at this time in history….
