May 16

Born in 1824 in St. Augustine, Florida, Smith graduated from West Point in 1845 and fought in the Seminole Wars. Joining the Confederacy in 1861, he rose to full general and led forces west of the Mississippi River. Dubbed the Wizard of the Saddle, he controlled a vast theater and resisted Union advances. Smith was the last Confederate general to surrender, capitulating in June 1865 well after other armies had fallen. After the war, he became a mathematics professor at Sewanee The University of the South. He died in 1893, remembered for his leadership and the final stand of the Trans-Mississippi forces.

Born to Japanese immigrants in Nebraska, Kuroki overcame prejudice to join the U.S. Army Air Forces. He flew over 30 missions in Europe and 28 in the Pacific, becoming the first Nisei to see combat. His determination challenged racial barriers and earned him widespread recognition. After the war, he advocated for civil rights and spoke about his experiences. Kuroki's legacy endures as a symbol of courage and perseverance.

Lowell Palmer Weicker Jr. (1931–2023) served as a pilot in the United States Air Force before embarking on a political career. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1970 as a Republican, he championed environmental protection and social welfare initiatives for three terms. In 1990, he won the governorship of Connecticut as an independent, serving from 1991 to 1995 and implementing fiscal reforms. Weicker introduced a state income tax to address budget deficits, a move that showcased his willingness to cross party lines. Known for his bipartisan approach and commitment to public service, he left a lasting impact on Connecticut politics.

Antony Walker (1934–2023) served as a general in the British Army with a career spanning the Cold War era. He held key command positions, including leadership roles in NATO operations and training institutions. Walker was recognized for his strategic expertise and contributions to military education. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his service. After retirement, he continued to advise on defense matters and authored articles on military strategy.

S. Shanmuganathan was a Sri Lankan military commander who transitioned into politics during a turbulent period. He served in leadership roles within the armed forces, commanding operations and strategic planning. After his military career, Shanmuganathan was elected to political office, advocating for veterans and security reforms. His dual roles highlighted the intersection of defense policy and parliamentary governance in Sri Lanka. He was tragically assassinated in 1998, an event that underscored ongoing political violence in the country.