Irving Berlin (born Israel Isidore Beilin,) died on this day in 1989. He was an American Composer and lyricist of Belarusian-Jewish origin (born near Mogilyov, Russian Empire, present-day Belarus), widely considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history, his music forming a great part of The Great American Songbook. He published his first song, "Marie from Sunny Italy", in 1907 and had his first major international hit, "Alexander's Ragtime Band" in 1911. He also was an owner of the Broadway theater, the Music Box Theatre.
"Alexander's Ragtime Band" sparked an international dance craze in places as far away as Berlin's native Russia, which also "flung itself into the ragtime beat with an abandon bordering on mania." Over the years he was known for writing music and lyrics in the American vernacular: uncomplicated, simple and direct, with his stated aim being to "reach the heart of the average American," whom he saw as the "real soul of the country." In doing so, said Walter Cronkite, at Berlin's 100th birthday tribute, he "helped write the story of this country, capturing the best of who we are and the dreams that shape our lives." He was a member of Munn Lodge #190 in New York.

Nathan Hale (the martyr) American Revolutionary patriot, whose last words before being hanged by the British as a spy were: "I only regret that I have but on life to lose for my country." b. June 6, 1755 at Coventry, Conn. He was graduated from Yale in 1773 and taught school until 1775, when shortly after the Battle of Lexington, he was commissioned a lieutenant in the Continental army. In 1776 he was promoted to a captain. He volunteered for hazardous spy duty behind the British lines on Long Island in response to a call from General Washington. He was caught and ordered executed by Sir William Howe, who refused his request for a Bible or a chaplain. He was hanged Sept. 22, 1776 in an orchard at the present junction of Market St. and East Broadway in New York City. It is almost certain that Hale was not a Freemason although he is often referred to as such. James R. Case, Conn. Masonic historian believes that the confusion is caused by the initiation of Colonel Nathan Hale of New Hampshire, who was born in 1780. Colonel Hale was initiated in St. John's Lodge of Portsmouth. The martyr, Nathan Hale is sometimes referred to as a member of "St. John's Regimental Lodge of New York City.”