February 12, 2023 | Issue #55

1 Quote. 1 Reflection. 1 Question.

"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

-From: Nathan Hale

Source: John Bartlett, Familiar Quotations, 12th ed. 1948, p. 571.

1 Reflection.

Captain Nathan Hale of the 19th Regiment of the Continental Army was one of the first known American spies of the Revolutionary War.

In September 1776, he was captured while gathering intelligence behind enemy lines before the Battle of Harlem Heights. When it was discovered that he was carrying incriminating documents, a British General had him executed. Before being hanged, he was asked if he had any last words. He replied with the now-famous words, "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country."

Now the quote itself is a bit of folklore. From my research, it is difficult to say if this really happened or not. But nonetheless, there is something to ponder. 

Coming across this quote from the U.S. Army's Office of the Chief of Military History, I thought about people's purpose and actions. 

There are people out there that will answer the call over and over again. 

"I would do it again," said Sherry Goolcharan, a mother who took a bullet for her child. 

For rushing into heavy enemy fire in an attempt to rescue four missing U.S. servicemembers pinned down in an intense hours-long ambush in eastern Afghanistan, Dakota Meyer received the Medal of Honor—our nation's highest military decoration. If faced with the same situation again Meyer replied 

“I would do it a hundred times” though he would change only one thing:  ”I wish I could have kept them alive.”

What all 3 people had in common was a reason to do what they did. A nation, a child, a fellow marine, whatever they are, we must find these reasons in our own lives. 

We both know life can be unfair and demanding. Time and time again we will have to push through pain and suffering. We must be like Nathan Hale, Sherry Goolcharan, and Dakota Meyer.

1 Question.

Take stock of your circle, is there anyone that you would die for?