March 20

Born in 1118, Kiyomori rose through military ranks during the Heian period amid feudal conflicts. He led the Taira clan to victory in the Hōgen and Heiji rebellions, consolidating his family's power. In 1167, Kiyomori became Daijō Daijin (Grand Chancellor), marking the first time a samurai held such authority. He initiated major political and economic reforms, including naval expansion and promotion of trade. However, his dominance sparked resentment among rival clans, leading to the Genpei War. Kiyomori's legacy endures in Japanese history as a pioneer of samurai governance and patron of culture.

Born circa 1165 in Salza, Hermann joined the Teutonic Order and was elected Grand Master in 1210. He secured papal recognition of the Order and negotiated charters that expanded its autonomy. Under his leadership, the Teutonic Knights launched successful campaigns in Prussia and the Baltic region. Hermann acted as a diplomat between Frederick II and the papacy, balancing imperial and ecclesiastical interests. He founded a network of commanderies that became centers of colonization and Christianization. Hermann von Salza's vision established the foundations for the Order's future state in Prussia.

Brother of Queen Jane Seymour and uncle to King Edward VI, Thomas Seymour rose to prominence as Lord High Admiral. He married the Dowager Queen Catherine Parr, causing scandal and fueling rumors at the royal court. As Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, he held significant maritime and coastal responsibilities. Seymour’s political maneuvering and alleged attempts to influence the young Edward VI led to charges of treason. In 1549, he was arrested, tried, and executed, marking one of the most dramatic downfalls of Tudor England. His life reflects the volatile mix of ambition and intrigue that defined the Tudor court.

Born in 1833 in present-day Yamanashi Prefecture, Yamanami joined the Shieikan dojo in Edo and later became a founding member of the Shinsengumi. As vice-commander under Kondō Isami, he upheld strict codes of discipline during a tumultuous era. Yamanami is remembered for his integrity and martial skill, but conflicts over loyalty led to his forced seppuku in 1865 after an attempted defection. His dedication and sense of honor have made him a tragic emblem of samurai ethos and the Bakumatsu period’s upheavals.

Lewis A. Grant (1828-1918) rose through the ranks to command a brigade in the Army of the Potomac, earning brevet promotion to major general for his service. He fought in key battles such as Spotsylvania Court House and the Wilderness, demonstrating courage under fire. After the war, Grant returned to civilian life and pursued a successful career in law, serving as a respected attorney and later as a judge. He remained active in veterans' organizations and delivered lectures on his wartime experiences. Grant's leadership on and off the battlefield exemplified dedication to duty and civic responsibility.

Ferdinand Foch (1851-1929) was a distinguished French military commander renowned for his defensive strategies during the First Battle of the Marne. In 1918, he was appointed Supreme Commander of the Allied Armies, leading coordinated offensives that broke the German lines. His bold counterattacks at the Second Battle of the Marne turned the tide of the war in favor of the Allies. After the war, he was honored as Marshal of France, the United Kingdom, and Poland. Foch authored several military treatises and remained an influential voice in strategic theory until his death.

Pierre Sévigny was born in Quebec in 1917 and served as a decorated Canadian paratrooper during World War II. He was awarded the Military Cross for bravery during the Dieppe Raid and was captured as a prisoner of war. After the war, he entered politics as a Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament. Sévigny served as Secretary of State for Canada under Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. His career was marked by both achievement and controversy, including his involvement in the Munsinger Affair. He remains remembered for his wartime heroism and contributions to Canadian public life.

Stewart Udall was born in 1920 in St. Johns, Arizona, and served as a fighter pilot during World War II. After the war, he practiced law in Arizona before entering the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1961, Udall was appointed Secretary of the Interior under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. He championed landmark environmental legislation, including the Wilderness Act of 1964. Udall's leadership helped establish national parks, protect endangered species, and expand public lands. He continued writing and advocating for conservation until his death in 2010.