Posted on 03/23/2014 5:44:47 AM PDT by Master Zinja
On this day in 1775 at Saint John's Church in Richmond, Virginia, Patrick Henry made his speech before the House of Burgesses pressing for the need to mobilize to respond to the British. The end of Henry's speech is popularly known as:
"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!"
No one is exactly sure what Henry said that day, as the speech was written decades later based on oral histories, but the final line as reported remains one of the most well-known lines in American history.
We were shown a movie in American History class in 8th grade. The movie was old — black & white — the film quality was poor, but I remember the feelings that speech (delivered at the end) stirred in me as a 13 year old. I remember it as yesterday, even though my 13th birthday was a LONG time ago.
Psychologists discovered that when Americans see the flag displayed, they get a boost to their feelings of patriotism that can last as long as two weeks. Importantly, feelings of patriotism are *exclusively* associated with Republicans in general and conservatives in particular.
And it may be enough to swing close elections.
Therefore, in the lead up to election day, it is vital that at the numerous opportunities to display the flag, conservatives do so.
Patriots Day - April 21st
National Day of Prayer - May 1st
Mother’s Day - May 11th
Peace Officer’s Memorial Day (half staff) - May 15
Armed Forces Day - May 17th
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon) - May 26th
Flag Day - June 14th
Independence Day - July 4th
Labor Day - September 1st
Patriot Day (half staff), September 11
Constitution Day - September 17th
National POW/MIA Recognition Day - September 19
Columbus Day - October 13th
Navy Day - October 27th
Election Day - Tuesday, November 4th
I’m reading a book on Patrick Henry right now:
Patrick Henry, First Among Patriots, by Thomas S. Kidd
Great info on the time in Richmond leading up to the Declaration of Independence.
As to the flag, I put mine up on 9/11/2001 and haven’t taken it down since (except to clean/replace/etc.) It would be nice if more people flew the flag, if even only on holidays.
Here is where I purchased mine: Annin Flagmakers--since 1847
(I have no connection with this company other than being a customer)
I lived in a neighborhood where nobody displayed the flag. I had a small one outside and it was stolen so I placed one at a window inside my townhouse. Incidentally, I lived in a predominantly black neighborhood. I guess to them the flag meant Republican.
Great flags! Thanks for the link.
k.
Yes, sad that our flag is characterized as partisan. My neighbors all think I’m a right-wing-wacko because of the Tea Party sticker on my car. So anything I do/display is probably looked as a (insert qualifier here) wacko.
Okay, I am a wacko! But when I say I’m a believer in the Constitution, they don’t get it, shake their heads and walk away. Living in Richmond, there is so much history, but also so many stupid people who don’t know or care. How can you walk down Marshall St, next to the home of Justice John Marshall, or go on Broad St next to the home of George Wythe, or walk by St. John’s Church, and not get it?
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