July 20

Born in Châtillon-sur-Seine in 1774, Auguste de Marmont joined the French revolutionary armies at a young age. He distinguished himself in the Italian campaigns and at the Battle of Austerlitz, rising rapidly through the ranks. In 1809, he was made a Marshal of the Empire by Napoleon. Marmont commanded armies in Spain and the Balkans but faced criticism for strategic retreats. In 1814, he negotiated with the Allies and ultimately served the restored Bourbon monarchy. He wrote extensive memoirs reflecting on his military career and the Napoleonic era. He died in 1852, his reputation colored by both valor and controversy.

George Llewelyn Davies was born in 1893 and was one of the five Llewelyn Davies brothers who served as the inspiration for the Lost Boys in J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan. He attended Eton College and later studied at Pembroke College, Cambridge. At the outbreak of World War I, he joined the British Army as a lieutenant in the King's Royal Rifle Corps. He was wounded in action at the Battle of Loos and died from his injuries on September 15, 1915. His close friendship with J.M. Barrie influenced the creation of one of literature's most enduring characters. Despite his short life, his legacy continues through Barrie's work.

Elliot Richardson was born in 1920 and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War II. After earning his law degree, he embarked on a distinguished career in public service as an attorney and government official. In 1970, President Nixon appointed him as the 11th United States Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War era. In 1973, as Attorney General, he famously resigned in protest during the Watergate scandal rather than obey an order to dismiss the special prosecutor. His principled decision is remembered as a key moment in upholding the rule of law. Richardson's integrity and leadership continued to inspire future generations until his passing in 1999.