Mike Smith:
Patrick Henry was willing to trade his life for liberty.

History has taught us that freedom isn’t free. It costs. The cost comes in lives and material sacrifice. America has sacrificed greatly in the cause of freedom and we continue to make those sacrifices right up to the present day.

Patrick Henry was a forthright spokesman for freedom and his efforts helped ensure that the rights of his native Virginians were protected from an overly aggressive federal government.

Freedom is its own legacy and Patrick Henry was a leading figure in maintaining the freedoms and liberties many Americans sometimes take for granted.

It didn’t have to turn out this way. The constitutional convention could have collapsed, leaving America without any effective way of marshalling the nation’s resources for its own defense.

Patrick Henry, though skeptical of the final product, supported the Constitution with the addition of the Bill of Rights and therefore takes his place as one of the defenders of liberty.

He can be also credited with insisting on an amendment which guarantees the right to bear arms.

Patrick Henry will be remembered for his unwavering stand for liberty, and his legacy will continue to impact future generations.

And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.