In the Dawn’s Early Light: Patrick Henry—Beacon for America

By John Ridpath
Recorded February 12, 2004

On Presidents’ Day we honor some of the great men who contributed to the struggle to bring a free and secure America into existence, first among these being future Presidents Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison. Among the other founding heroes, one man stands out. This man—whom Jefferson once described as the first man on this continent—was Patrick Henry. From his first appearance on the stage of the founding drama, in 1765, to his last fiery appearance, in 1799, Patrick Henry stood as a beacon of integrity, fighting to guide the young America to safe harbor.

To celebrate Presidents’ Day, the Ayn Rand Institute sponsored a tribute lecture to Patrick Henry by Dr. John Ridpath on the inspirational life of the man who did so much to guide America towards becoming a free country administered by presidents, rather than another wasteland ruled by tyrants.

Following the lecture, Dr. Yaron Brook, executive director of the Ayn Rand Institute, joins Dr. Ridpath for an open Q-&-A session.

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