May 15

Hasan Tahsin, born Osman Nevres in 1888, adopted his pen name to become an ardent advocate for Turkish independence. As a journalist and editor, he used his writing to oppose foreign occupation and promote national unity. On May 15, 1919, he fired the first shot at Greek soldiers landing in İzmir, an act that became a powerful symbol of resistance in the Turkish War of Independence. Although he was killed in the skirmish, Tahsin’s legacy endured through his published articles and the inspiration he provided to freedom fighters. His courage and sacrifice are commemorated in modern Turkey as a catalyst for the national struggle, and his story remains a poignant reminder of the power of individual action.

Charles B. Fulton was a respected American lawyer who served as a United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida. Born in 1910, he practiced law privately before his appointment by President Richard Nixon in 1970. Fulton presided over significant cases in maritime and admiralty law, helping to shape key legal precedents. He was known for his fairness, diligence, and commitment to the rule of law. After assuming senior status in 1982, he continued to influence the court through rulings and mentorship until his death in 1996. His decades-long service left a lasting mark on federal jurisprudence.