July 23

Born in 1635, Adam Dollard des Ormeaux ventured to New France as a young officer seeking opportunity. In 1660, he led a small force of settlers and allied Indigenous warriors against a larger Iroquois war party at Long Sault. Although greatly outnumbered, his defense delayed the Iroquois advance and protected Montreal's hinterlands. Dollard and most of his men perished in the battle, but their sacrifice became legendary in colonial Canadian history. His valor at Long Sault earned lasting recognition as a symbol of early French colonial resilience.

Thomas Brisbane began his career as an officer in the British Army, serving in the Napoleonic Wars with distinction. Appointed Governor of New South Wales in 1821, he promoted exploration and scientific research in the colony. An avid astronomer, Brisbane established an observatory at Parramatta and conducted extensive star catalogues. His support for education and the arts earned him the respect of settlers and Indigenous communities alike. The city of Brisbane was named in his honour, reflecting his lasting impact on the region.

Manuel María Lombardini served as a soldier in Mexico's struggle for independence and rose through the ranks to become a general. He participated in political and military affairs during the early Republic, aligning with conservative forces. In January 1853, Lombardini assumed the presidency on an interim basis amidst turbulence, paving the way for Antonio López de Santa Anna's return to power. His brief tenure focused on restoring order and managing factional conflicts. Lombardini's role highlights the complexities of Mexican politics in the 19th century.

Kâzım Karabekir was a prominent Turkish military commander and political leader in the early 20th century. He commanded the Eastern Army during the Turkish War of Independence, securing key victories that defended the eastern borders of the fledgling republic. After the war, Karabekir entered politics and served as the fifth Speaker of the Grand National Assembly, advocating for national reconstruction and educational reform. His strategic acumen and diplomatic skills were instrumental in shaping modern Turkey's territorial integrity. Beyond his military achievements, he authored several memoirs and historical works that provide valuable insights into the independence struggle.

Field Marshal Alan Brooke was one of Britain's most distinguished military leaders, serving as Chief of the Imperial General Staff from 1941 to 1946. As Winston Churchill's principal military advisor, he played a critical role in planning Allied strategy across multiple theaters of World War II. Brooke's meticulous attention to logistics and operations helped coordinate the D-Day landings and the final campaigns in Europe. After the war, he was created 1st Viscount Alanbrooke and served as Lord Lieutenant of the County of London, fostering veteran welfare initiatives. His extensive war diaries, published posthumously, offer a candid view of high-level decision-making during the conflict.

Born in Holleford, Ontario, John Babcock enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force at age 15 and served as a dispatch rider on the Western Front. After the war, he moved to the United States, where he became a naturalized citizen and enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. Babcock earned the rank of sergeant and trained paratroopers in the Pacific theater. He was honored by veterans' organizations for his unique status as the last Canadian WWI veteran. Living to the age of 111, Babcock provided a living link to early 20th-century military history until his death in 2010.

Jenny Pike was a Canadian servicewoman and photographer who contributed during and after World War II. Born in 1922, she enlisted in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps and was stationed in Europe where she documented military life through her photography. Her wartime images provided rare insight into the experiences of female soldiers. After the war, Pike pursued a career in photojournalism, capturing portraits of veterans and civilians alike. Her work appeared in several Canadian publications and exhibitions. Pike’s dual legacy as a pioneering servicewoman and dedicated photographer endured until her passing in 2004.

Stanisław Targosz (1948–2013) was a distinguished Polish general who served as Commander of the Polish Air Force from 2000 to 2003. He played a pivotal role in modernizing Poland's aerial defense capabilities during the post-Cold War era. A graduate of the Polish Air Force Academy, Targosz held multiple command positions before leading the air force at the highest level. Under his leadership, the Polish Air Force integrated new aircraft and improved training programs. He was known for his strategic vision and commitment to international cooperation within NATO. Targosz received numerous honors for his service, leaving a lasting legacy upon his retirement.

Michael Durant served as a chief pilot in the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. In 1993, his Black Hawk helicopter was shot down during the Battle of Mogadishu, leading to his capture and imprisonment. He detailed his experiences in the best-selling memoir "In the Company of Heroes", earning widespread acclaim. Durant’s leadership and resilience during captivity have inspired both military and civilian audiences. After retiring, he became a motivational speaker and consultant, drawing on his combat experiences. His memoir remains a powerful testament to courage under fire.