Lots of heroes in the Revolution, but the story of Nathan Hale has meaning for me to this day. He was only 21 years old when the Redcoats executed him for spying. Although the quote "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country" has long been in our history, there's no evidence he actually stated those words. A British officer present at Captain Hale's execution recalled this in his diary: He behaved with great composure and resolution, saying he thought it the duty of every good Officer, to obey any orders given him by his Commander-in-Chief; and desired the Spectators to be at all times prepared to meet death in whatever shape it might appear. Regardless of his words before his execution, Captain Hale gave all he could to support the cause of the American Revolution and met his death a lot more bravely than I think most people his age today would do. There are no pictures or drawings of Captain Nathan Hale even though there are several statues of him. The one pictured below is my favorite since it best captures his youth compared to others I've seen. A copy of the Yale statue stands outside Langley (and elsewhere) and is a constant reminder to everyone who enters the building on the meaning of duty, dedication and honor to our nation. http://brewminate.com/captain-natha...rest-and-execution-of-the-first-american-spy/
