"Thus always to tyrants"
The Latin words sic semper tyrannis in written or verbal form is a familiar phrase to those who understand the nature and history of governments, especially governments inclined to be dominated by the power hungry. On display or quoted in writing, a user of the phrase is unmistakable about his or her feelings regarding despots who thirst to rule over their equal and fellow citizens. “Let me be clear - tyranny has no ending but death.”
The formal translation of the phrase is “Thus always to tyrants.” – a rallying cry to a citizenry that has reached its limit of abuse by those in power. It is no surprise then to learn that the state of Virginia adopted the phrase as the state motto in 1776. Virginia’s flag has these Latin words adorning it and the image on the flag depicts the armed citizen standing one foot atop a defeated ruler. Virginia’s legislators at that time keenly understood the value of freedom and sent a signal to those who would oppress them. Were that so today.
Our patch collection “Sic Semper Tyrannis” captures the spirit and essence of this historic phrase in a succinct form and makes clear your stance regarding tyrants.
144.1 Note - We originally dropped these designs in early 2020 in response to anti-2A activity in Virginia. Little did we know at the time what was headed out way in terms of a virus and how it would be used to infringe.
