Connecticut State Hero Nathan Hale was honored in a celebration at the Hale Homestead in Coventry as his 253 rd birthday brought observances and reflections on the meaning of Hale’s famous final phrase . His quote , “ I only regret that I have but one life to live for my country , ” was spoken before he was hanged by the British as an American Revolutionary spy in 1776 . The birthday event , held on June 14 – Flag Day – also served as a spotlight celebration for the Hale Homestead , sponsored by Connecticut Landmarks , the former Antiquarian and Landmarks Society .

“ When [ Hale ] made the decision that espionage was necessary for the survival and future of liberty , then in fact , his activity was honorable and worthy of its efforts , ” said Rob Simmons , the former Congressman who is the state business advocate , a Connecticut Landmarks trustee and a former Central Intelligence Agency operations officer .

“ Espionage is dangerous , but it is essential to the preservation of our people and our democracy , ” Simmons said , alluding to the continuing demands of the intelligence community in the United States .

Simmons read a proclamation by Gov . M . Jodi Rell designating June 14 as Nathan Hale Day in the state of Connecticut , “ in honor of the selfless patriot . ”

The ceremony , held on the lawn of the 232-year-old Hale Homestead , also included a ceremonial flag-raising and remarks by Dorothy Grady of U . S . Rep . Joseph Courtney’s office , state Rep . Joan Lewis and Maureen Festi , Connecticut’s 2007 history teacher of the year.

Although Hale’s birthday is on June 6 , the annual event was pushed to June 14 this yearto coincide with Connecticut Open House Day , an annual one-day event when state attractions are opened to the public free of charge .

During the day , the Hale Homestead was open for free guided tours , birthday cake was served , local historian Bill Jobbagy provided a lecture , musical entertainment was offered by the Song a Day Music Center , and members of the Nathan Hale Fife and Drum Corp set up camp on the Homestead’s lawn . Activities for children included Colonial games and crafts .

“ I am really pleased to be here today and am looking forward to the day when we can break ground on a new visitors center here , because it would be a great addition that would help in telling the story of Nathan Hale to schoolchildren and would be something that people of all ages could enjoy , ” said Lewis , who said that she helped to secure an additional $ 250 , 000 in funding towards the visitor’s center in the last legislative session .

“ A place like this is a treasure trove , and we want people to get interested and curious , as they find out that things here aren’t quite like how they are today , ” said Sheryl Hack , executive director of Connecticut Landmarks .

Hack said that other priorities for her organization will necessitate pushing back plans to move forward on construction of the visitors’ center for several more yearsbut that the design phase , with input from the public , would continue .

Project plans call for the refurbishing of the two historic barns which sit on the 400-acre property into facilities to meet 21 st century visitor services needs and to do so in an environmentallyfriendly way with a U . S . Green Building Council LEED Design .

“ The timing of this project is impeccable . We have a confluence of really good ideas , and it will be exciting as we push forward , ” she said , noting that the union of history and environmental sustainability will ensure that the stories of the past that the Homestead tries to tell will remain far into the future .

“ This is not a textbook . This is a real place , a real farm , everything here is a real tribute to bring to life what it was like to be here and in honor of a real hero who was lost , ” Simmons said .

The public is invited to comment on the design phase and may contact Connecticut Landmarks through their Web site at www . ctlandmarks . org .