Our guest speaker at the May 2007 dinner meeting was professional actor, Michael Bennett. Mr. Bennett has made over 75 film appearances and over 500 radio and television performances. He is best known for his one-man shows in which he portrays famous historical characters such as Christopher Columbus and Patrick Henry. He won the George Washington Award in 1996. Mr. Bennett loves history and rigorously researches the roles that he portrays.
At our dinner meeting, he gave a stirring portrayal of American patriot, Patrick Henry, pictured at the right. Mr. Bennett’s monologue of Patrick Henry, as governor of Virginia and a military commander, was powerful and moving. Dressed in period clothing and speaking with a commanding and authoritative voice, he articulated the political, philosophical and military positions of Patrick Henry at one of the most crucial times in our history. He spoke of the tension between the colonies and the King of England and the events leading up to the American Revolution. He also spoke of the tension between the rights of the new states and the fledgling federal government. His presentation ended with Patrick Henry’s famous declaration, “Give me liberty or give me death!”
We are grateful to Michael Bennett for being our guest and for a wonderful portrayal of Patrick Henry. Thank you, Mr. Bennett.