January 26

Born George Sackville in 1716 into an English noble family. Distinguished himself as a general in the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. After a court-martial for his conduct at the Battle of Minden, he entered politics. Appointed Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War. His policies and leadership deeply impacted British strategy in North America. Created 1st Viscount Sackville, he died in 1785 leaving a complex legacy of military and political service.

Born Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte in Pau, France, in 1763. Rose to prominence as a Marshal of France under Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1810 elected heir to the Swedish throne and adopted the name Charles John. Became King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Charles III John of Norway in 1818. Founded the Bernadotte dynasty which still reigns in Sweden. Died in 1844, remembered for modernizing Sweden and forging stability after the Napoleonic Wars.

Juan Pablo Duarte was one of the principal founding fathers of the Dominican Republic. A visionary philosopher and poet, he led the movement for independence from Haitian rule in the mid-19th century. Duarte co-founded the secret society La Trinitaria to unite patriots for the cause of freedom. He championed democratic ideas and national identity, writing poems and essays that inspired his compatriots. Though he spent much of his life in exile, his ideas laid the groundwork for the modern Dominican state. Today, he is celebrated as a national hero and symbol of Dominican independence.

George Shiras Jr. served as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1892 to 1903. Before his appointment, he practiced law in Pennsylvania and served in Congress. A passionate outdoorsman, he pioneered nighttime wildlife photography using camera traps and flash photography. His images captured nocturnal animals in their natural habitats and influenced the early conservation movement. On the court, Shiras was known for his opinions on commerce and federal regulation. After retiring, he continued to travel and photograph wildlife across North America. His dual legacy in law and nature photography endures in both the legal and conservation communities.

Charles Gregory Wade was an Australian politician and barrister who served as the 17th Premier of New South Wales between 1907 and 1910. He began his career in law before entering politics as a member of the Legislative Assembly. As Premier, Wade focused on public works, including improvements to railways and infrastructure. He also oversaw reforms in education and social policy during a period of rapid growth. After leaving office, he continued to serve as Attorney General and contributed to legal scholarship. Wade’s leadership helped shape New South Wales’s development in the early 20th century.

Seán MacBride was born in Paris in 1904, son of Maud Gonne, and became a prominent Irish statesman and human rights advocate. A founder of Amnesty International and Vice-Chair of the International Commission of Jurists, he championed global human rights. He served as Ireland's Minister for External Affairs from 1948 to 1951, shaping the young republic's foreign policy. In 1974, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote peace and human rights worldwide. MacBride also led the Irish Red Cross and held key positions in international organizations. He died in 1988, remembered for his tireless work in law, politics, and humanitarian causes.

Rex Connor was born in 1907 in Wollongong, New South Wales, and entered federal politics in 1963. He served as Minister for Minerals and Energy in Prime Minister Gough Whitlam's government from 1972 to 1975. Connor championed Australian resource development and sought to establish national energy controls. His tenure ended amid controversy during the Loans Affair, leading to his resignation and contributing to the Whitlam government's dismissal. Known for his ambitious economic vision, he influenced Australia's approach to mineral exports and energy policy. Connor died in 1977, remembered as a passionate advocate for Australian resource nationalism.

Hyun Soong-jong was a South Korean statesman and academic who held the office of Prime Minister from October 1992 to February 1993 under President Roh Tae-woo. Prior to his premiership, he served in various government posts and contributed to educational reform as a university professor. After his political career, he remained active in policy advisory roles and cultural affairs. Known for his consensus-building approach, Hyun navigated economic and social challenges during a pivotal period in South Korea's democratization. He passed away in 2020, leaving a legacy of public service.

Born in County Mayo, Seán Flanagan rose to fame as a Gaelic footballer, winning three All-Ireland titles with Mayo during the 1940s. After retiring from sport, he entered politics and was elected to Dáil Éireann in 1957. He served as Minister for Health from 1965 to 1969, overseeing improvements in hospital infrastructure and social welfare services. A dedicated public servant, he championed healthcare reforms and community development. Flanagan's legacy endures in both Ireland's sporting history and public policy.

Annette Strauss dedicated her life to philanthropy and public service in Dallas, Texas. She served as mayor from 1987 to 1991, becoming one of the first women to lead a major American city. During her tenure, Strauss oversaw significant downtown redevelopment and expanded support for the arts, education, and human services. Prior to her mayoralty, she chaired the Dallas Welfare Foundation, championing programs for children and families. After leaving office, she established the Annette G. Strauss Foundation to continue her advocacy for youth and the arts, leaving a lasting legacy on the city's civic and cultural landscape.

Claude Ryan was a prominent Canadian journalist and politician. He began his career as the editor of Montreal's Le Devoir newspaper, earning a reputation for incisive commentary and advocacy of federalism. In 1978, he transitioned to politics, becoming leader of the Quebec Liberal Party and Leader of the Opposition in the provincial assembly. Known for his moderate stance and defense of Canadian unity, he contested the 1981 provincial election against the Parti Québécois. Following his political career, he continued to influence public discourse as a commentator and academic. His career bridged journalism and politics, leaving a lasting impact on Quebec's federalist movement.

José Azcona del Hoyo was a Honduran businessman turned politician who served as the country's president from 1986 to 1990. Prior to his presidency, he built a career in the construction industry and led major firms, bringing a private-sector perspective to government. His administration focused on economic modernization, infrastructure development, and strengthening democratic institutions in post-military Honduran politics. Azcona also played active roles in regional affairs and navigated challenges related to debt and social welfare. After leaving office, he remained engaged in public life through business ventures and civic initiatives.