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250th Anniversary of Patrick Henry's 'Liberty or Death' Speech Celebrated

Historians and descendants reflect on the speech's historical impact, enduring legacy, and relevance to modern debates about freedom and governance.

FILE - This is an undated portrait of American patriot Patrick Henry. Henry was born in 1737 in Virginia, where he served as governor from 1776 to 1779 and 1784 to 1786. He contributed to the adoption of the Bill of Rights. (AP Photo, File)
FILE - Virginia Gov-elect, Terry McAuliffe, seated center, listens as historical interpreter, Michael Wells, center, re-enacts the speech of Patrick Henry in St. John's church on church Hill in Richmond, Va., Friday, Jan. 10, 2014. McAuliffe is due to be inaugurated as the 72nd Governor of Virginia. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
FILE - Virginia Gov.-elect, Bob McDonnell, fourth from left, listens to a speech by Patrick Henry re-enactor, Michael Wells, right, at St.,John's Church in Richmond, Va., on Jan. 15, 2010. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
Public domain https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Patrick_Henry_Rothermel.jpg https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Patrick_Henry_Rothermel.jpg

Overview

  • Patrick Henry delivered his iconic 'Give me liberty or give me death!' speech on March 23, 1775, urging Virginia to prepare for war against British rule.
  • The speech, given in the Virginia House of Burgesses, is credited with rallying support for independence and expanding Virginia's militias.
  • The exact wording of the speech remains debated, as it was reconstructed decades later from recollections, though its key themes are widely accepted.
  • Historians emphasize the speech's focus on liberty, divine providence, and moral courage, which have resonated in various historical and modern movements.
  • The 250th anniversary is marked by reenactments, including one by Henry's descendant Patrick Henry Jolly, and discussions on its historical significance and modern relevance.