My nine year daughter recently had to memorize a portion of Patrick Henry's famous "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death!" speech. It was an assignment from her fourth grade history class (I guess government schools aren't all bad, huh?). I'd say this is the most important and powerful speech in our history. Here's the ending of Henry's speech:
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!
3 comments:
I remember having to memorize this speech for 4th grade. I recited mine first. Being one with a sense for the dramatic, I gave quite a performance...no one else wanted to recite theirs after me!! It's a great speech!
That's funny because my daughter, Bethany, also went first and did quite well too.
Now, George Bush needs to learn it---along with the Constitution and Declaration of Independence!
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