Governor Youngkin Participates in Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission Honorary Leadership Council Announcement

ICYMI: Governor Glenn Youngkin spoke at the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission Honorary Leadership Council Announcement yesterday, highlighting the historic occasion at a historic location – Saint John's Episcopal Church in Richmond.

“Virginia’s history is America’s history,” Youngkin said at the event. “It’s our collective history, and together we will forge our collective future.”

Youngkin spoke to the vision of our Founding Fathers articulated at St. John’s, the immortal words of Patrick Henry, and the history of the American Revolution rooted deeply in Virginia. 

Excerpts of Youngkin’s speech are included below. Click here to watch the full speech. 

There is an observation that I would like to share about this place. This church is on a hill. It’s on a hill, and therefore it’s closer to the sun. I believe our Founders felt this vision – a vision that we were to be that proverbial shining city on a hill - or we were to be nothing at all. As I personally reflect on our history, on Virginia's history, and on our nation's history, I see clearly, the mighty role that courage and conviction played in determining our path in pushing us to pursue a better future for all.  And again, we are reminded that it was these unalienable rights that we fought for – life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness. In this next generation, I pray daily that we have the courage and conviction to continue that pursuit.

When Patrick Henry delivered those words – “I know not what course others may take but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” These words sparked a flame. They ignited an emotion. They brought together Virginians who were there in attendance. From George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to five fellow Virginians who would later sign our Declaration of Independence. Later that June, George Washington would be appointed Commander of the Continental Army. The next year, Thomas Jefferson would craft our Declaration of Independence. And on July 4th, 1776, the voice of Patrick Henry, the sword of George Washington, and the pen of Thomas Jefferson would come together, and many who were here on that most important day 249 years ago in March, signed the Declaration of Independence, forever changing the course of history. With their signatures, they signed away any claim to their lives as they knew them, pledging their honor, holding fast to a belief that this moment was not just revolutionary, but visionary. 

“Give me liberty or give me death”:  all or nothing.

249 years ago, this church was smaller. I dare say maybe the glass was clearer. Yet what transpired changed the world and Virginia, the crucible of democracy. What transpired sparked the flame of revolution that forged a new nation, a nation that was not founded on a geography but a nation that was founded on an idea, a basic truth…a basic truth that there are certain unalienable rights that are granted to us by God Almighty…unalienable rights like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…rights that aren’t granted by a king or dictator…but rights that not only have to be won but defended...a basic truth that established a new nation to pursue a more perfect union...a constant pursuit.

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