The Commonwealth of Virginia's First Governor, Patrick Henry, Honored at his last residence

Patrick Henry gained notoriety for his speech at the 2nd Virginia Convention in March 1775 when he said "I know not what course others may take, but for me, give me liberty or give me death". At that same convention he predicted open warfare between the Colonies and Great Britain when he also said: "The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the resounding clash of arms." Just a few weeks later the Battle at Lexington and Concord, THE SHOT HEARD AROUND THE WORLD, started the American Revolution. Henry was the driving force to raising troops to mobilize for war. In June 1776 after Virginia declared Independence and adopted it's first Constitution, Henry was elected the Commonwealth of Virginia's First Governor.

On May 29, Patrick Henry's 280th birthday, the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution honored Patrick Henry at his final resting place at his plantation called Red Hill near Brookneal, VA. Sgt Maj John Champe Compatriot Ken Bonner represented the chapter by participating in Color Guard, presenting a wreath and commanding a black powder flintlock fire squad honoring Patrick Henry.

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter serves Loudoun County and adjacent counties. the chapter was selected as best medium sized chapter in VA SAR for 2025. For more information about the chapter please visit our website at https://johnchampe-sar.org/