The first few years of the Revolutionary War went badly for the Americans. They were short on money, weapons, training, manpower, and leadership. The only advantage the American patriots had over the British “redcoats” was their tenacious desire for freedom. No one teaches us this lesson better than Nathan Hale.
Hale grew up in Connecticut, a great lover of sports and learning. He was a serious-minded boy, but loved competition and fun as well. He began to teach as he grew older, and held a job in a school for about a year. Then came the Revolution.
Nathan believed in the cause, and was willing to devote himself to serve the emerging nation. He quickly became a leader, due to his keen mind and good strategy. He became famous when he captured a supply-loaded British ship, and was placed among an elite group called the ‘Rangers.' George Washington, the commander of U.S. forces, asked the Rangers for a volunteer to sneak behind enemy lines as a spy. Hale quickly agreed.
His mission was successful…dressed as a schoolteacher he got the information, but on his way back to the American army, he was betrayed by his own cousin and captured by the British. Once they learned he was a spy, he was sentenced to immediate execution. He remained calm, and after requesting a Bible, said: “I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
Powerful words for a 21 year-old young man. That's right. The heroic Nathan Hale had barely begun his life when he willingly gave it up. Never married, never allowed the opportunity to have children, never able to use his vast intellect or pursue his dreams -- and wholly content to sacrifice himself for this grand idea we call 'America.'
I wonder what Nathan Hale would say to those many folk who demand checks from the government and free health care; those who think that patriotism is akin to voting every four years for the candidate who promises the most freebies.
Think about it.
Posted by: DanJ | June 04, 2008 at 10:01 PM