Mike Smith:
Patrick Henry is famous for declaring, “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.”

He was truly a revolutionary and willing to sacrifice his all for freedom.

Born May 29, 1736, in Hanover County, Virginia, Patrick Henry was the son of John and Sarah Henry.

Nicknamed the “Trumpet of the American Revolution,” Henry was a central figure in Virginia and provided much encouragement to colonists who wished to be free from British rule.

Henry is recognized as the greatest orator of the times. He articulated what needed to be done before other leaders had truly appreciated the circumstances of the colonies.

God gave him an amazing ability to rally men to his cause.

In 1776 he was elected as the first governor of Virginia and was re-elected four times. President George Washington later offered Henry the offices of secretary of state and ambassadorships to Spain and France. Henry declined these offers, preferring to stay close to his native Virginia, which he had fought so hard to free.

Patrick Henry, homeschooled from the age of 10, gave voice to the revolution and helped free a nation.

And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.