America's Battle Cry

Has there ever been a time in your life, when you heard someone speak so passionately that the speech moved you to action. In the early American Colonies, Patrick Henry, even as a young man had that type of influence when he spoke. He was a natural leader and a brilliant speaker, who believed very strongly in individual rights and independence from the British government.
In the year 1763, Patrick Henry astonished a courtroom audience with an eloquent defense based on the idea of natural rights. A political theory that stated humans are born with "certain inalienable" rights, this theory of course is central to our Declaration of Independence.

Patrick Henry was without a doubt one of America's greatest "Founding Fathers". He is believed by many to be the most famous orator of the American Revolution. In 1760, Patrick Henry was admitted to the bar, he also served in the following:
Virginia Patriot Convention
First Continental Congress
Virginia House of Burgesses
The Virginia Legislature
The Virginia Ratification Convention
Virginia's First Governor

Serving as the first governor of Virginia and in the state legislation, Patrick Henry continued to have a profound impact on the developing nation. He worked to have the first ten amendments (Bill of Rights) added to the Constitution. These rights guarantee certain freedoms, such as our freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Can you imagine our country without these rights today?

On March 23, 1775 in Richmond, Virginia at St. John's Church, Patrick Henry delivered his most famous speech. It was a fiery speech that served as the catalyst for the stand taken by the American patriots at Lexington and Concord--where the fight for our independence began. Patrick Henry was instrumental in giving the call that cried for Freedom.

In that historic speech, Patrick Henry cried out, "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!" I would ask that you take time to compare the spirit of Henry, with the spirit of the American people today. Tell me what it is that we hear from the majority of our fellow citizens today. What is the clarion call of America in this day that we live.


Our "battle cry" has become one of "Give me security". How much will we surrender, to believe that we have that "security"? It seems apparent that today, most of us are willing to have life and peace at the cost of chains and slavery. Just give me "security". America's war cry of "liberty or death" has become a "cry of surrender", as we continue to accept the loss of more of our constitutional liberties. When did we forget our history and our heritage? Why did we decide that security is more valuable than liberty? Have we lost our love for freedom and our loyalty to our Constitution?

We continue to dishonor our forefathers, and all those who came before us, who fought for our way of life and the freedoms we possess. Shame on us, shame on all of us. How can we forget? Is it that easy to step into a cage, and still believe we are free.

George Washington
"The thing that separates the American Christian from every other person on earth is the fact that he would rather die on his feet than live on his knees."

Samuel Adams
"If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home and leave us in peace. We seek not your council, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen."

Benjamin Franklin
"They that would give up essential liberty for a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

Once again, let us together sound the cry throughout this land, "Give me liberty or give me death"! Keep America free.