Today is Easter Sunday, March 23, the 83rd day of 2008. There are 283 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History:

On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry delivered his famous call for American independence from Britain, telling the Virginia Provincial Convention, “Give me liberty, or give me death!”

On this date:

n In 1743, George Frideric Handel’s oratorio “Messiah” had its London premiere. (During the “Hallelujah Chorus,” Britain’s King George II, who was in attendance, stood up — followed by the entire audience.)

n In 1933, the German Reichstag adopted the Enabling Act, which effectively granted Adolf Hitler dictatorial powers.

Ten years ago: The Academy Awards, “Titanic” tied the record by winning 11 Oscars, including best picture, director (James Cameron) and song.

Five years ago: A U.S. Army maintenance convoy was ambushed in Iraq; 11 soldiers were killed, seven were captured, including Pvt. 1st Class Jessica Lynch, who was rescued on April 1, 2003.

Today’s Birthdays: Singer Chaka Khan is 55.

Thought for Today: “A conscience which has been bought once will be bought twice.” — Norbert Wiener, American mathematician (1894-1964).

—Associated Press