Notable men.

On March 28, 1775, Patrick Henry
spoke these words in a speech before the Virginia House of Burgesses
(Legislature).


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!

Amazing how these words can be applied to The War on terrorism today.


Another excerpt is from John Adams talking about the Declaration of Independence.

On July 2nd, John Adams wrote the following in a letter to his wife after
Congress had passed Richard Henry Lee‘s resolution for independence.
Although he was off by 2 days in his prediction, he was clear in his
prophetic vision of what this event would mean to Americans.

"But the Day is past. The Second Day of July 1776, will be
the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am
apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding
Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be
commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of
Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with
Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells,
Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to
the other from this Time forward forever more.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not.
I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will
cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend
these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of
ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than
worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that
Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in
God We shall not."


Idealy, we should be attending church every Fourth of July.


-Carpenter,

1:10 PM on the 9th of September in The Year of Our Lord 2008