Liberty or Death

“The hour is fast approaching, on which the Honor and Success of this army, and the safety of our bleeding Country depend. Remember officers and Soldiers, that you are free men, fighting for the blessings of Liberty — that slavery will be your portion, and that of your posterity, if you do not acquit yourselves like men.”
— George Washington, 1776

“If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.”
— Tom Paine, 1776

“Liberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker. But if we had not, our fathers have earned and bought it for us, at the expense of their ease, their estates, their pleasure, and their blood.”
— John Adams, 1765

“A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader.”
— Samuel Adams, 1779

“We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
— Benjamin Franklin at the signing of the Declaration of Independence

“They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
— Ben Franklin, 1759

“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
— Nathan Hale’s last words before being hanged by British

“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