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'Liberty or Death' Rallied Colonists to War

With the possible exception of the midnight ride of Paul Revere, perhaps no historical event stirs the imagination or fires the patriotism of schoolchildren as does Patrick Henry's "Liberty or Death" speech.

But while Revere's ride was important, Henry's speech in 1775 was a genuine turning point in American history, providing the impetus that helped set the colonies on the road to revolution.

Delivered at St. John's Church in what was then Henrico Parish, the speech rallied a crowd that was inclined to delay confrontation with Great Britain and convinced the members to approve Henry's call to arms.

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McDonnell touts new tax credits for filming in Va.

Set against a backdrop any movie director could work with, Gov. Bob McDonnell yesterday ceremonially signed bills extending tax credits to productions filmed in Virginia.

At the picturesque, historic St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry gave his "Give me liberty or give me death" speech, McDonnell touted the new refundable tax credits available to television, film or documentary projects filmed in the state.

Up to $2.5 million will be up for grabs between January 2011 and July 2012. Starting in 2013, the credits will extend to interactive digital media projects.

Actors Daphne Maxwell Reid and her husband, Tim Reid, who run New Millennium Studios in Petersburg, joined McDonnell and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling -- and lots of people in period costume -- for the event.

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Patrick Henry Stirs Virginia Once Again

The Commonwealth of Virginia boasts many national superlatives. Virginia is the best state for business according to Forbes and MSNBC, holds a Triple-A bond rating, and is the best-managed state according to Governing magazine. In recent years, more kudos came in the form of recognition as the best place to raise a family.

One reason Virginia is a great place to live or visit, work, and raise a family is its abundance of historic sites whose educational programs greatly benefit students and adults -- and make Virginia a world-class tourism destination.

Tourism is a powerful economic engine for the state -- generating more than $19 billion in revenue, supporting 210,000 jobs, and providing $1.28 billion in state and local taxes. During the past General Assembly session, legislators worked in a bipartisan way with Gov. Bob McDonnell to allocate additional resources toward the marketing and promotion of these unique state resources. Read more

Patrick Henry heritage trail is unveiled

Virginia's road to the revolution may have begun when statesman Patrick Henry gave his "Give me liberty or give me death" speech to the Second Virginia Convention in March 1775 at St. John's Church. Read more

Va unveils trail interpreting Patrick Henry's life

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A new heritage trail in Virginia gives visitors a glimpse of the life of Patrick Henry.

Gov. Bob McDonnell and other officials unveiled The Road to Revolution Heritage Trail on Sunday. It starts at the Episcopal church in Richmond where Henry gave his "Give me liberty or give me death" speech to the Second Virginia Convention in 1775.

Markers along the trail highlight 10 sites, including Hanover Courthouse where he began his public career and his grave at Red Hill Plantation in Brookneal. Read more

McDonnell celebrates 100 days as Virginia governor

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Virginia governor Bob McDonnell marked his 100th day in office Sunday and he celebrated by honoring another Virginia governor.

Patrick Henry delivered his famous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech in Richmond's St. John's Church in the Church Hill community, in 1775.

Yesterday, McDonnell unveiled a new sign that marks the 'Road to Revolution' Heritage Trail. Read more