| Dear friends, We present a special guest for the letter this day: Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it. I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House..... 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 to the Second Virginia Revolutionary Convention meeting at St. John’s Church, Richmond, on March 23, 1775 Patrick Henry's Liberty or Death Speech — Historic St. John's Church, 1741  Get your tickets today for our next event! Governor Doug Wilder April 15, 2025 7pm at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center  “THE VIRGINIA WAY: USING HISTORY TO SHAPE A BETTER FUTURE” PURCHASE TICKETS HERE Since Doug Wilder’s tenure as governor, Virginia’s political landscape has transformed into a battleground of competing interests. His leadership marked the end of an era defined by civility and fiscal responsibility. How can we restore those principles today? Governor Wilder will offer his insights on reclaiming that legacy. L. Douglas Wilder’s distinguished public service career spans more than 70 years. In 1990, he made history as the first African American elected governor in the United States, serving as Virginia’s 66th governor until 1994. Renowned for his strong fiscal stewardship, he successfully balanced the state budget during challenging economic times. Under his administration, Financial World magazine recognized Virginia as the nation’s best-managed state for two consecutive years. Today, Governor Wilder is a Distinguished Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs where he lectures and hosts symposia, including “Race in Academia,” “The Triple Pandemic,” and "Racism, Health, and Accountability," and most recently "HBCUs and the Absence of Support." He is also the author of "Son of Virginia: A Life in America’s Political Arena," published by Lyons Pres General Admission and VIP tickets are available here. Virginia Election Updates: Virginia statewide candidates submit signatures to get on the ballot | WVTF By Brad Kutner ‘We prepare for everything’: Will Earle-Sears face a GOP primary in race for Va. governor? - WTOP News By Nick Iannelli United behind Spanberger, Va.’s Democratic Party reminds voters of Republicans’ three-way primary • Virginia Mercury By Charlotte Rene Woods Jury awards $750,000 to families evicted over race at Smith Mountain Lake • Virginia Mercury By Markus Schmidt "Progressive Prosecutors" take the spotlight in AG primary race | WVTF By Michael Pope AG Miyares co-leads multi-state effort to lift temporary deportation block on alleged Venezuelan gang members By Jazmine Otay Judge considers malicious prosecution lawsuit against Virginia Attorney General's Office | WVTF By Brad Kutner Downtown Richmond is struggling. Businesses are uniting to fix that - Axios Richmond By Karri Peifer Virginia's lieutenant governor has less to do than counterparts in other states. Should that change? - Cardinal News By Dwayne Yancey A.G. Miyares: NCAA to lift NIL recruitment ban By 12 On Your Side What Are the Biggest Campaigning Costs? By VPAP.ORG A Night at The Diamond 5pm Saturday, April 5  Join your friends from The Virginia Council and bring your family for opening weekend at The Diamond! Tickets include a 90-min private buffet at The Cantina (hamburgers, hot dogs, mac and cheese, sodas, water, and light snacks; beer and wine available for purchase), followed by The Akron Rubberducks vs. The Flying Squirrels! $32 per person, all ages. Seats are limited, so book early! IMPORTANT: Ticket holders will check in at the Group Check-In stand The Diamond is a cashless facility The Diamond has a clear bag policy https://www.milb.com/richmond/ballpark/bag-policy No refunds Click Here to Purchase Tickets Virginia Assembly, Senate & Governor updates: Youngkin kicks off his action on 2025 session bills with an emphasis on Virginia’s economy - Cardinal News By Elizabeth Beyer Youngkin defends federal job cuts, says Virginia’s economy is strong • Virginia Mercury By Markus Schmidt Youngkin signs bills to ban food dyes in school meals By Dave Ress Governors to laid-off federal workers: We’ll hire you • Virginia Mercury By Robbie Sequeira Senate finance chair says Youngkin set to make 200+ budget amendments By Jahd Khalil General Assembly awaits Youngkin’s action on surveillance technology bills - Cardinal News By Elizabeth Beyer ‘Every aspect of DEI is to be ripped out,' UVa official says By Dmitry Martirosov VCU discontinues DEI office after Trump’s executive order | WRIC ABC 8News By Julia Broberg State Board ends diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Virginia’s community colleges | WRIC ABC 8News By Tyler Englander C'villeBubble on X: "🦃Virginia Tech will join UVA in eliminating DEI. The @virginia_tech resolution is modeled on @UVA's. @VTSandsman will have 30 days to update the Board on compliance after the vote, which will happen at the meeting Mon-Tue, March 24-25. As at UVA, the draft resolution https://t.co/CXkXsAS0FI" / X The truth about Trump's executive order - by Brandon Jarvis Bagby’s omission of his wife, businesses on economic interest disclosure forms raise questions • Virginia Mercury By Charlotte Rene Woods Lisa Coons resigns as Virginia’s superintendent of public instruction • Virginia Mercury By Nathaniel Cline Mecklenburg County draws the line on solar. Deeds warns this could lead to state mandates. - Cardinal News By Dwayne Yancey Tyler Englander on X: "Caught this cute moment after a young man asked @GovernorVA why he signs bills in cursive. Youngkin tells him, "You have to practice your cursive signature so that when you're governor, you can sign bills too." The kid replies, "I don't know that I want to be governor." https://t.co/IGDxIZB9Ku" / X Youngkin signs bills to ban food dyes in school meals By Dave Ress  The Virginia Council presents Un-Cancelling History and Heroes Symposium  RESERVE TICKETS HERE Tickets per event: $30 and includes: 10:30am Welcome coffee & presentations 12:30-1:30pm Lunch with speaker 1:30-2:30pm Additional presentation and discussion Hanover Tavern 13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd Hanover, Va 23069 Mike Emanuel spoke at The Virginia Forum event on Thursday March 20th to an audience eager to hear more about journalism, media and governance in the 21st century. Mike spoke seriously about the responsibility of "being first while getting it right" and the pressures facing the industry. Mike, Chief Washington correspondent for FOX News also regaled us with background stories of covering the momentus events in the White House. He also shared some fun stories about Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama We hope to see you at the next event with former Governor Wilder.  Articles, News, & Quotes: The Big 250 - richmondmagazine.com By Harry Kollatz Jr. Patrick Henry's Liberty or Death Speech — Historic St. John's Church, 1741 Discover Patrick Henry's Legacy, Beyond His Revolutionary 'Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death' Speech | Smithsonian By Cassandra Good The Ken Burns Effect - Style Weekly By Rich Griset Patrick Henry's 'Liberty or Death' speech turns 250 on Sunday - Axios Richmond By Karri Peifer Patrick Henry's words have echoed through the centuries, and around the world - Cardinal News By Brandy Centolanza Richmond metro area sees population spike thanks to immigration - Axios Richmond By Sabrina Moreno & Alex Fitzpatrick Henrico reclaims Green City site after payment deadline is missed By Michael Phillips Virginia unemployment claims see big jump in March - Axios Richmond By Karri Peifer Richmond IG clears former city spokeswoman’s purchases from companies owned by prior business partner By Graham Moomaw Former DPU Director on Richmond water crisis: 'I hold no regrets' By Tyler Layne Democratic lawmaker calls out Steve Descano for not prosecuting sex offender in Fairfax By Nick Minock Federal judge orders reinstatement of funding for VCU teacher program By Big Tech’s data center boom poses new risk to US grid operators | Reuters By Tim McLaughlin USPS brings in DOGE after moving to cut 10,000 workers | Fox News By Bradford Betz EEOC on Discrimination Related to DEI at Work By Karen Michael After forced pause, Va. schools resume Armed Services assessment testing • Virginia Mercury By Nathaniel Cline The Navy is sending mixed messages about firings at public shipyards By Steve Walsh Nick Minock on X: "New: Court records show before sex offender Richard Cox visited Planet Fitness in Fairfax County and allegedly exposed himself in the women’s locker room, he was charged with three felonies for sex offender registry violations a few years prior. But Steve Descano’s office agreed" / X Virginia's lumber industry looks to Trump, new markets for help | WVTF By Brad Kutner 19 states and DC allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses By Jessica A. Botelho The first Nimitz class carrier returns to Norfolk for its final assignment By Steve Walsh  Interviews & Videos of Interest Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me Death" - Full Speech https://youtu.be/q8VMrSspbpA?si=B0WFQqSVPzdcJ9qB (6) Rapid Response 47 on X: "POTUS: "I signed a proclamation a few moments ago honoring the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry's famous speech to the second Virginia Convention in which he declared: Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death." https://t.co/OL4F96Gm74" / X Podcast about Patrick Henry's famous 'Give me liberty or give me death!' speech - Cardinal News By Dutchie Jessee Talking about the GOP nomination battle - by Brandon Jarvis GOP gubernatorial nomination analysis from Randolph Macon College political science professor Richard Meagher. Stoney talks LG campaign - by Brandon Jarvis The Democratic lieutenant governor candidates answer the same questions. Listen to former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney talk about his campaign. Communism Creeps In on Little Leftist Feet Webinar: Tuesday, March 25, 2024. Paul Kengor and a panel of experts discuss the deliberate plan to usher in communism in the U.S through religion, schools, climate hysteria, feminism, and transgenderism. FREE but registration is required: mail@spider-and-the-fly.com Bethany Hamilton on the Girls' Sports Controversy: Where are the Men? By The Family Foundation 250th Anniversary of Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me Death!" Speech – The White House New exhibition opening this weekend at the VMHC. Give ME Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation Patrick Henry's 'Liberty or Death' speech turns 250 on Sunday - Axios Richmond The in-person event is sold out, but va250.org will live-stream it for free.  The Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Liberty Judge finds frozen embryos are not divisible property in cancer survivor's case against ex-husband | AP News By Olivia Diaz Former state Supreme Court Justice Lawrence Koontz dies. He's hailed as 'one of the most consequential judges in Virginia history.' - Cardinal News By Dwayne Yancey Samuel B. Parker on X: "UPDATE: the city has agreed to waive the fees initially quoted for this FOIA request, and will provide the documents at no cost." / X Events Children's Home Society of Virginia Let Love Grow: Celebration & Annual Fundraiser, Sunday, April 27, 2025, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden The Virginia Council has been blessed with unwavering support from the community since its founding a few years ago. And we decided to add some new ways to thank you for your ongoing assistance in our efforts to educate and inform Virginians. "Announcing The Virginia Council membership reward program. Sign up today on our website for the various levels of support!" Member level: Simple membership is free when you sign up for our email newsletter or attend a monthly meeting. Liberty level: For an annual contribution of $100 you get the newsletter, access to our monthly meetings and a commemorative Virginia Council lapel pin. Patriot level: When you step up to make an annual contribution of $250 you receive first access to tickets to our annual Christmas and Patriot Parties, the commemorative Virginia Council pin, and the newsletter and monthly meeting access. President's Council level: For a commitment of $1000 you receive the newsletter, access to our monthly meetings, 2 lapel pins, 2 invitations to both of our annual parties, and 2 VIP tickets to one Virginia Forum lecture of your choice. We hope you'll find these rewards an added incentive to help fund our efforts to restore a full view of Virginia's history, monuments & role that government plays in our lives. We appreciate all your support and encouragement and look forward to bringing you more compelling voices of liberty, freedom, and conscience over the next year. To become a Liberty, Patriot, or President's Council member, please make a contribution here. To volunteer, click here. The Executive Board of the Virginia Council If you are interested in donating appreciated securities, we now have an account to make it easy for you (see the information below). Contact us HERE for more details.  The Virginia Council Preserving Virginia’s history and creating a more prosperous future for all Virginians. Stay Hopeful. Stay Connected. P. O. Box 5 Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103, United States |
