PR Squared: Do The Right Thing

Today is a day in history that ought to be remembered as "Do The Right Thing Day."

On this day in 1776, Nathan Hale was executed for espionage by the British. General Washington had asked his troops for a volunteer to infiltrate the enemy territory, and only 21-year old Hale stepped forward. Today was the day he uttered his famous phrase, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." How many men's names do we remember from among the hundreds whom Washington implored to take on this task? Only one man; the man who did the right thing.

On this day in 1862, President Lincoln gave his watershed Emancipation Proclamation: the speech that freed America's slaves and gave new momentum and vibrancy to the strife between the States. What had been a war about "the right of secession" became a battle to do the right thing.

On this day in 1961, President Kennedy signed the executive order that gave birth to the Peace Corps. He envisioned 100,000 young American volunteers spreading out each year to do the right thing for the rest of the world. While the service never reached such lofty subscription numbers, it is still an important (if under-appreciated) part of America's international goodwill efforts. It's the better face, the truer face, of the American people.

What are you going to do today?

Hat-tip to NPR.