Many people drive to Washington, D.C., to see the sights, visit friends or on their way to a Northern destination.

The most traveled route to Washington is Interstate 95. How many of us have noticed a large military base, about halfway between Richmond and Washington, D.C.? You may have even wondered about the name of the place: "Fort A.P. Hill."

Well, all of this will be easily rectified by the English-Speaking Union's dinner program speaker on Wednesday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m. by Pat Falci at the Country Club of North Carolina. In full period costume, Falci will bring to life the Confederate general, Ambrose Powell Hill, after whom the fort was named.

Hill was a Virginia native who distinguished himself as a Confederate commander during the Civil War. Rising from colonel to major general in three months, Hill took command of one of Lee's three corps in 1863. Two years later, as Grant's forces laid siege to Petersburg, Va., Hill was mortally wounded as he rode his stallion Champ to the front. He had not yet reached his 40th birthday. Although he was instrumental in many Confederate victories, his death at the end of the conflict resulted in his not gaining the notoriety he deserved. He is therefore called "Lee's Forgotten General."

Patrick Falci gained fame in his role as A.P. Hill in the movie "Gettysburg." Falci was also historical adviser to director Ron Maxwell for that movie and "Gods and Generals." On set, he provided the director, actors, costume department, set dressers, props and other departments with historical information. Falci has appeared as an actor and historian in documentaries including "Lincoln and Lee at Antietam," "135th and 140th Antietam Anniversaries" and "Gettysburg; 3 Days of Destiny," as well as many more.

For the past 15 years, Falci has been the face of Gen. Ambrose Powell Hill. He has been enlightening the public about "Lee's Forgotten General" and the "War Between the States." His portrayal gives a unique insight into the persona of a Confederate general.

The English-Speaking Union's >mission is the "drawing together in a bond of comradeship the English-speaking peoples of the world." The E-SU is committed to promoting scholarship and the advancement of knowledge through the effective use of English in an expanding global community. The >Sandhills branch of the E-SU approaches the mission with an outstanding monthly program of informative and entertaining speakers on topics ranging broadly from literary to special insights on the geopolitical stage; the E-SU scholarship program for local educators; the Sandhills High School Shakespeare Competition; and the new E-SU middle school debate program for local students.

For >information, contact Martha O'Conner at (910) 235-0635 or e-mail Dr. Phil Hinesley at phil@chanticleerproperties.com.