April 02

Lucio Norberto Mansilla was born in Buenos Aires in 1789 into a prominent military family. He served with distinction in the Argentine War of Independence against Spanish colonial forces. Mansilla later held political office, including governorship roles, contributing to the establishment of republican institutions. He documented his military campaigns and travels through the vast territories of what would become Argentina. As a congressman, he influenced early constitutional debates and reforms. His leadership and writings provide valuable insights into the struggles of Argentina’s emergence as an independent nation. Mansilla died in 1871, leaving a legacy tied to both military valor and public service.

Francisco de Paula Santander was born in 1792 in Cúcuta, then part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. He became a key military leader in the wars of independence, fighting alongside Simón Bolívar against Spanish rule. Santander served as Vice President of Gran Colombia and later became the fourth President of the Republic of New Granada (now Colombia). His administration focused on establishing civil order, developing legal frameworks, and promoting public education. Santander favored constitutionalism and the division of powers, earning him the title 'The Man of Laws.' After political exile, he returned to serve in various public roles until his death in 1840. His legacy endures in Colombian history as a founder of republican governance.

Henry Lewis Benning was an American lawyer and judge who became a Confederate brigadier general during the American Civil War. He was born in 1814 in Columbia County, Georgia, and studied law before entering politics. As a Confederate general, he led troops in key engagements such as the Second Battle of Bull Run. After the war, he served as a justice on the Georgia Supreme Court. Benning's legacy endures through Fort Benning, a major U.S. Army installation named in his honor.

Born in Outremont, Quebec, Paul Triquet joined the Canadian Army at the outbreak of World War II. As a lieutenant with the Royal 22e Régiment, he led a daring counterattack in Italy in 1943. His actions at Casa Berardi earned him the Victoria Cross, Canada’s highest military honor. Triquet was the first French Canadian to receive the award, inspiring national pride. After the war, he continued serving in the military and later shared his experiences with younger officers.

Admiral Michael Boyce served in the Royal Navy for over four decades, culminating in his appointment as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Defence Staff in 2001. A South African-born officer, he oversaw naval operations during critical periods, including the Iraq War. Upon retirement, he was elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Boyce and served as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, a ceremonial post with historic significance. Known for strategic leadership and advocacy for maritime security, Boyce shaped modern naval policy. He continued to influence defense and diplomatic circles until his passing in 2022.

Rosemary Bryant Mariner was an American naval aviator who broke gender barriers in U.S. military aviation. Born in Harlingen, Texas, in 1953, she became one of the first six women selected for Navy pilot training in 1973. Mariner made history as the Navy's first female tactical jet pilot, qualifying on A-4 Skyhawks and A-7 Corsair II aircraft. Over her 24-year career, she logged more than 3,000 flight hours and served in roles from squadron commander to aviation safety developer. A passionate advocate for integrating women into combat roles, she influenced Navy policies on gender integration. After retiring as a captain in 1997, she continued to mentor aviators and contribute to military aviation research. Mariner was posthumously honored for her trailblazing service following her death in 2019.

Michael Stone is a Northern Irish loyalist activist who gained infamy for violently targeting members of the nationalist community in the late 1980s. In March 1988, he carried out a shooting at Milltown Cemetery in Belfast, resulting in three deaths and several injuries. Stone was convicted and spent decades in prison before being released under the Good Friday Agreement, only to be re-arrested in 2004 for an attempted bombing plot. His actions made him one of the most controversial figures of The Troubles, eliciting strong reactions on all sides. He has since published memoirs reflecting on his motivations and the violent period in which he was active.