(April 3, 1822–June 10, 1909), was an American author. He wrote The Man Without a Country, 1863, and over fifty other books. He was the editor of the Boston Daily Advertiser and later became Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, 1903–1909. Everett Hale was the nephew of Nathan Hale, the revolutionary patriot who was executed by the British after uttering his last words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Everett Hale proclaimed:
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I should do and, with the help of God, I will do!2563
In 1897, Everett Hale wrote " Challenge to the Youth of Boston”:
As a boy goes on his errand he shall say, “To such duty I, too, am born. I am God’s messenger.” As the young man tells the story to his sweetheart, he shall say, “We are God’s children also, you and I, and we have our duties.” They look backwards, only to look forward.
“God needs me, that this city may still stand in the forefront of his people’s land. Here am I. God may draft me for some spiritual duty, as he drafted Warren and Franklin. Present! Ready for service! Thank God I come from men who are not afraid in battle. Thank God, I am born from women whose walk was close to him. Thank God I am his son.”
And she shall say, “I am his daughter.” He has nations to call to his service. “Here am I.”
He has causeways to build, for the march forward of his people. “Here am I.” There are torrents to bridge, highways in deserts, “Here am I.” He has oceans to cross. He has the hungry world to feed. He has the wilderness to clothe in beauty. “Here am I.”
God of Heaven, we will be with Thee, as the fathers were. Boys and girls; young men and maidens, listen to the voice which speaks here.2564