On this day in 1776, a 21-year-old Yale graduate, Nathan Hale, was executed in New York City for espionage by the British. George Washington needed a spy to go behind British lines and map their fortifications and asked for a volunteer, and Nathan Hale was the only soldier who stepped forward. He was caught by the British and on the day of his execution he stood on the gallows and uttered his famous last words: "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

Valor and War

What is it that compels citizens of country to
volunteer
Knowing that danger and loss of life
could result
What quality not given to most lies
within these persons
In fate or preferences who were those
never challenged
And who among us might have dared
only to regret
I am grateful to have never confronted this man
in a mirror


2007 F William Broome