Amid the hosts of observances that come over the course of a deployment (According to one website there are 837 “holidays” in March alone! Though, I confess, I am a big supporter of National Corn Dog Day.), easily lost are the historically significant moments that form our National Identity, our common heritage. Thus, the following story and prayer. If these things go unobserved or unforgotten, it won’t be by me.
The Second Virginia Convention convened in Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Richmond on March 20, 1775. The delegates had come from all across Virginia—and included George Washington and Thomas Jefferson—and the spent the next three days debating the language to be used in a petition to King George III. The petition was to enumerate complaints about the British Parliament’s treatment of the American colonies.
Some of the delegates proposed conciliatory language and urged reconciliation with England. They feared, justifiably, the might of the British Empire. Others struck a more belligerent tone. After all, war was already breaking out in New England, and the Parliament had already declared the Massachusetts Bay Colony to be in open rebellion against the Crown.
Amongst the delegates in Richmond was a lawyer from Hanover County who had achieved some notoriety already for his opposition to the Stamp Act and as a delegate to the First Continental Congress. He offered amendments to the petition proposing to raise a colonial militia and prepare for war. This raised the objections of more moderate delegates who called such ideas treason.
On March 23, 1775, in defense of his amendments and his ideas, Patrick Henry took the floor of the assembly and spoke the following immortal words:
They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable–and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. 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!
(These are only the final paragraphs; the entire speech can be found here.)
Patrick Henry’s amendments passed, though just barely, and a month later was fired the “shot heard round the world.”
LET US PRAY
Lord, may we never forget the courage of the men who stood against the most powerful nation in the world, who stood on principles, and through stout-hearted perseverance ultimately prevailed. As we sail now in defense of those same principles, Lord, make us also vigilant, active, and brave, so that we can preserve for our children the liberty and freedom that were so generously given to us. For You are the giver of all good things, and to You we give glory, honor, and worship, now and always, and to the ages of ages.
AMEN
An Orthodox Priest Abroad 