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Patrick Henry Day
“There is no longer any room for hope.
If we wish to be free… we must fight!
I repeat it, sir, we must fight!
An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!
…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!”
~ Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775. Second Virginia Convention
Patrick Henry was one of the most powerful voices of early American resistance — not a soldier or general, but a lawyer, politician, and electrifying speaker whose words could sway an entire room. Born in 1736 in colonial Virginia, he first rose to prominence arguing against British authority in court, most famously in the Parson’s Cause case, where he challenged the Crown’s interference in colonial affairs. By the 1770s, he had become a leading advocate for colonial rights and a fierce critic of British rule, known for his boldness and emotional, persuasive style. He would later serve as the first elected governor of Virginia after independence.
When Henry delivered his famous speech in 1775, it was given at the Virginia Convention in Richmond — not as a formal, recorded address, but as a live, impassioned appeal to fellow delegates. At that time, speeches were not routinely transcribed word-for-word, especially in political gatherings. There were no stenographers present, and much of the power of such speeches lay in their delivery — tone, gesture, and timing — rather than exact wording.
The version we know today was reconstructed decades later by William Wirt in 1817, based on recollections from people who had been there. By then, the speech had already become legendary, and Wirt aimed to capture its spirit and impact.
The Heritage of Liberty tartan was designed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the ties between Scotland and America. The design is intended to reflect continuity, resilience, and shared heritage, acknowledging the influence of Scottish people and traditions on early American settlement, civic life, and concepts of self-governance.
The colours are intended to represent shared historical significance: blue for endurance; buff for the land itself and as a reference to its historical use in early American military dress; red for courage & sacrifice; white for balance and clarity and yellow, representing gold, for prosperity and the future. 💙 ❤️ 🤎 💛 🤍 🇺🇸 🏴
Patrick Henry was one of the most influential voices of the American Revolution, remembered as a passionate patriot, powerful orator, and Virginia’s first governor. The Patrick Henry Society at Emory & Henry University takes its name from him, honoring his enduring legacy as a champion of liberty and civic leadership.
Born in 1736 in Hanover County, Virginia, Henry was largely self-educated and rose from modest beginnings to become a successful lawyer. His early career brought him recognition through bold legal arguments, and he soon entered politics, where his fiery rhetoric against British policies made him a leading figure in colonial resistance. His ability to speak directly to ordinary people—rather than relying on formal or elite language—helped inspire widespread support for independence.
Henry’s most famous moment came in 1775 at the Second Virginia Convention, where he delivered the legendary speech ending with the words, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” This speech helped galvanize the colonies toward revolution. He went on to serve as a delegate to the Continental Congress and played a central role in shaping Virginia’s transition to independence, including work on its constitution and declaration of rights.
After independence, Henry became the first governor of Virginia and later served additional terms, continuing to influence the early direction of the new nation. He was a strong advocate for individual liberties and famously opposed the U.S. Constitution as originally written, arguing that it lacked sufficient protections for personal freedoms—concerns that helped lead to the adoption of the Bill of Rights.
Patrick Henry is remembered not only for his political leadership but also for his enduring commitment to freedom, civic virtue, and the power of persuasive speech. His legacy remains deeply tied to American ideals of liberty and continues to be honored by institutions like Emory & Henry University, which see in his life a model of principled leadership and public service.
For more on Patrick Henry, click the illustration of his famous speech.