Echoes of Freedom: Patrick Henry's Timeless Call for 2025 and Beyond

Post-election messages are loud, so I'm staying calm in the chaos.

I believe in American Independence.

Days after the November, 2024 election, I'm seeing a lot of anger, fear, and mostly a decision: apparently a silent majority has spoken. That election is over and we, as Americans, need to look to tomorrow.

Some of you might recognize that I've been studying the words of Washington, who embodies Stoicism.

But I've also learned from other echoes of the past, including the words of Patrick Henry.

RELATED: My post sharing some of Washington's wisdom. Read it here.

Necessary disclaimer: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share; it does not change your price but sometimes you might get a discount.

I do not consider myself political.

I believe in Washington's advice to never choose party over nation. Here's as political as I'll get on this blog or in public life: I don't want to be compartmentalized as a woman, a Virginian, a Jew, a GenXer.

• I love history (check out my Mission Statement for this blog here!).
• I love reading twisty psychological thrillers (Freida McFadden is my favorite author these days!).
• I get a little down when the sky is gray too many days in a row, so moving to Virginia and seeing so much blue sky has improved my health.
• I cannot choose between coffee and tea: I love both.
• I don't care about a 7-figure income- I want live out my days prioritizing my priorities.
• I got scared healthy a couple years ago so yes, I'll enjoy pizza and cheeseburgers, but generally I avoid lots of sugar and eat colorful stuff and whole foods.
• I'll always choose a museum or an historic site over hanging out on the beach.
• I love listening to jazz or Baroque music (especially Vivaldi's Four Seasons).

I am all of these things, not one. I am unique. These bits are BITS that help create the complex human I am.

Just as your bits make you uniquely you. This is true American Independence is it not?

We clearly have a love of history in common if you're here, and I love that about being a blogger. It opens a whole new world of discussion and the ability to learn, explore, and discover from so many individuals, all complex and with unique experiences.

Americano at Eleva in Williamsburg

Back to Patrick Henry.

So why am I writing a post titled "Echoes of Freedom" honoring a specific message from Patrick Henry?

As we look towards 2025 and beyond, I am hoping Americans look to the past. Yes, Americans. Not white, black, or purple ones. Not men or women. Not Jews, Catholics, or Atheists. AMERICANS. It's one label to add to what we citizens of the United States of America 1) have in common and 2) adds to the important bits that make us uniquely us.

After the Revolutionary War ended, the idea of 13 separate colonies becoming states, and staying united into the future was vital to the success of this "American experiment" in self-government the founders of this nation called it.

A prime example of the sentiment that inspired this article, historian and interpreter Richard Schumann's portrayal of Patrick Henry here in Colonial Williamsburg. It's where I regularly hear Henry's famous declaration to the Continental Congress at Carpenter's Hall in 1774:

"The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian but an American."

Wise words in my opinion, to carry us into 2025 and beyond.

They are today's closing words from history--- cheers as I get ready for the day and plan to see Mr. Schumann's presentation in a few hours!

Richard Schumann as Patrick Henry in Colonial Williamsburg, 2024

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There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post, unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.