LAST: We’ve all heard the phrase “famous last words.” Yet how familiar are we with history’s famous last words?

This first one, we would guess, is quite familiar to folks. “Don’t give up the ship.” — James Lawrence, United States naval officer (June 4, 1813), mortally wounded by British fire. His words became a popular naval battle cry.

His friend, Oliver Hazard Perry, adopted the words as a battle cry, and emblazoned the words on a flag that flew during the Battle of Lake Erie, a decisive naval victory. The flag and the battle cry became a symbol of naval heroism — right here in Pennsylvania.

American ornithologist Alexander Wilson, who died Aug. 23, 1813, made this as his final wish: “Bury me where the birds will sing over my grave.” He is credited as the father of American ornithology. He is buried in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia-born William Ward Burrows II, U.S. naval officer who died Sept. 5, 1813, was mortally wounded while commanding USS Enterprise in the capture of HMS Boxer. His last words: “Now I am satisfied; I die contented.”

Some last words are so remarkable, they remain a meaningful lesson for hundreds of years. Tecumseh, leader of the Shawnee, died Oct. 5, 1813. His final words were a message to his son: “So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.”