May 31

Engelbert II of Nassau was born in 1451 into the noble House of Nassau. He served as a trusted military commander and advisor to the Burgundian duke and later to the Habsburg emperor Maximilian I. Engelbert led campaigns in the Low Countries and played key roles in regional conflicts and territorial consolidation. He also held the position of stadtholder in Friesland and Guelders, overseeing administration and defense. His strategic acumen and loyalty elevated the status of the Nassau family. Engelbert died in 1504, leaving a legacy of military and political influence that shaped early modern Dutch history.

Born in 1769, Jean Lannes rose through the ranks of the French Revolutionary armies to become one of Napoleon's most trusted generals. As a Marshal of the Empire, he distinguished himself in key campaigns, including the battles of Marengo and Austerlitz. Lannes was celebrated for his tactical acumen, personal courage, and ability to inspire troops under fire. His close friendship with Napoleon earned him significant command responsibilities and respect among his peers. Wounded at the Battle of Aspern-Essling in 1809, he succumbed to his injuries, leaving a legacy of military excellence.

Odilo Globocnik (1904–1945) was an Austrian SS officer and one of the principal architects of the Holocaust. As SS and Police Leader in Lublin, he oversaw Operation Reinhard, which led to the mass murder of over a million Jews in extermination camps. He also commanded SS forces in Trieste and was responsible for anti-partisan operations and forced labor deportations. After Germany’s defeat, Globocnik attempted escape but was captured and committed suicide in Allied custody. His brutal actions exemplify the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime during World War II. Today, he is remembered as a key figure in the Holocaust’s implementation and a symbol of Nazi war crimes.

Stefanos Sarafis (1890–1957) was a Greek Army officer and leader of the leftist National Liberation Army (ELAS) during World War II. He commanded guerrilla operations against Axis occupation forces across occupied Greece. After the war, Sarafis became involved in politics, advocating for democratic reforms amid the Greek Civil War. His shifting allegiances and opposition to totalitarianism made him a controversial figure in post-war Greece. He served briefly in the Greek Parliament before falling out of favor in the Cold War climate. Sarafis’s life reflects the turbulent era of resistance, civil strife, and political upheaval in mid-20th-century Greece.

Born in 1895, Jack Dempsey rose to fame with his aggressive style and devastating punching power. He held the World Heavyweight title from 1919 to 1926, defending it in some of boxing’s most legendary bouts. Nicknamed "The Manassa Mauler," Dempsey set records with 56 career knockouts and electrified audiences worldwide. He served as a U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant during World War I, reinforcing his image as a tough and patriotic athlete. After retirement, he promoted boxing matches and successfully ran popular restaurants in New York City.

John Martin (1918–2011) had a distinguished naval career spanning over four decades. Commissioned into the Royal Navy, he saw service during World War II and rose through the ranks to become an admiral. Martin held key commands in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, earning honors for his leadership. In 1974, he was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey, overseeing the island’s defence and constitutional affairs. As governor, he strengthened local governance and supported community development initiatives. After retiring, Martin remained active in naval charities and veterans’ associations. He was knighted for his service and is remembered for his dedication to duty and public service.