On this day in history, March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry of Hanover County, rose up in old St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia before representatives assembled there from each Virginia county, all leading citizens of Virginia Colony, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, and demanded they 'Give me liberty or give me death!'
The already famous Virginia orator called on his colony to raise troops to battle the British four weeks before the Battles of Lexington & Concord ignited the shooting phase of the American Revolution.

There is still a reenactment of the historic debate in St John's every Sunday in the warmer months.

"...Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves longer. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned - we have remonstrated - we have supplicated - we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne.

... 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 the means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three 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.
...
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!"

Patrick Henry's home, the courthouse where he argued cases and the little church where he gave his ringing speech are all extant near or in Richmond. The pew in St. John's Church from which he gave his speech is still marked by a small silver plaque on the rail. If you're ever near, stop and see.