RPV's Pat Mullins: "Remember our history while celebrating this wonderful holiday"

RICHMOND - Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Pat Mullins today issued the following statement regarding the July 4th holiday:

"In the city of Richmond in 1775 when American patriotism was unpopular and dangerous, a group of Virginians gathered at St. John's Church on what is now known as Church Hill. Near the end of a contentious meeting, a young lawyer from Hanover County stood and expressed his frustration of those who did not see that the right path was freedom for America.

‘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!'

"Those were the words of patriot Patrick Henry, who exemplified the bravery of the colonists of the time. His speech was notable in that it was given at a time when standing against the Crown of England was treasonous and risked summary execution. Henry and his brethren were, after all, mere merchants or farmers, armed with mostly picks, shovels and muskets. Meanwhile the British armada was amassed off the coast of Virginia. For these men to stand for American freedom was a singular act of bravery for all world history to take note.

"Slightly more than a year later, a larger group of patriots put their names on a document authored by Thomas Jefferson that once and for all severed the colonies from England. Jefferson's words are eternal:

‘When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.'

"For many Americans the 4th of July means hot dogs, parades and fireworks. I would encourage each citizen to take a moment to reflect on exactly how and why we enjoy the freedoms we do.

"While tomorrow we celebrate our 233rd anniversary as a country, I think it important to remember that American blood has been spilled around the world to ensure these rights and freedoms. There is no amount of gratitude that we can extend to those who have sacrificed so much.

"I encourage all Virginians to remember our history as they celebrate this wonderful holiday."

Happy Independence Day!