Yesterday was a pre-spring day for me: temperature approaching 70 degrees, mild breezes, and no rain. Time for me to get the ole motorcycle out and take one on my favorite rides to Red Hill, Virginia to visit the Patrick Henry National Memorial. I have taken this trip many times. I would take it if I had particularly difficult problems to mull over, as it inspired me to be in the presence of such an historic and noble figure. His epic speech-- delivered at the second Virginia Convention in Richmond, March 1775--ended with the classic words, "Give me Liberty, or give me death." With that speech, he moved the Convention towards unity, and carried the day.
The Memorial is straight up 501, about 80 miles from Durham, and a pleasant ride. Mostly country, there are signs in Brookneal to the Patrick Henry boys home. The first sign is just after you cross the railroad tracks in Brookneal where you turn to the right. Follow the main road about 5 miles to the next sign, and you are almost there. It takes about 1 1/2 hours by motorcycle (traveling at 90 miles/hr), and when you get there, you will have the opportunity to review his and our history, and regain those patriotic feelings that so rarely touch us these days.
There are multiple attractions at the Memorial including quite surroundings, his reconstructed house and Law office, blacksmith shop, a souvenir shop, and other outbuildings. Most importantly, is his grave. Not elaborate at all, it is a place of reverence. Take the time to read the words in his famous speech, and try to imagine who, among today's leaders, might have uttered these same words when facing the daunting battle that lay ahead for Virginians in 1775. You are visiting the place that embodied Patrick Henry's values of virtue, independence, family, and nation.
My trip that day took about 6 hours, and it allowed me to have a pleasant contemplative day. I had the time to remember the origins of our Country, the current troubles facing us, and to realize, again, that it will all be OK as long as we look back to the fundamental principles that made this nation strong and great-- try individual Liberty!
You might want to visit the website (http://redhill.org/ ) as it will give you a lot of information about this pleasant location. I'm certain I will go there again when I am looking for some peace and inspiration. Enjoy, enjoy.
I do have to admit that I always keep a piece of Mr. Henry's speech with me when I ride. It's on the back of my motorcycle for all to see. It's probably one of the most important ideas ever introduced into the concepts of governance which America tries to spread around the world. I couldn't get the "correct" spelling, because someone else (I don't know who it is) had the same idea. I try every year at renewal time but haven't been able to get it yet. I'm going to keep trying.
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