September 06

Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette was a French aristocrat who volunteered to serve in the American Revolutionary War at age 19. He became a close ally of George Washington and was celebrated for his leadership in battles such as Brandywine and Yorktown. Lafayette returned to France bringing revolutionary ideas that influenced the early stages of the French Revolution. He played a key role in drafting the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. Despite political turbulence and exile, he remained a steadfast advocate of liberal reform throughout his life. Lafayette's dedication to liberty and human rights made him an enduring symbol of transatlantic ideals.

Emir Abdelkader was an Algerian religious scholar and military commander who led resistance against French colonial forces in the 1830s. Born into a prominent Wahhabi family, he united various tribes under a banner of jihad to defend Algerian sovereignty. Abdelkader established a disciplined state with its own administration and army, emphasizing justice and Islamic law. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, he engaged in guerrilla warfare and diplomatic negotiations with the French. After years of struggle, he surrendered in 1847 and was imprisoned before later being released and recognized for his humanitarian conduct. Renowned for his chivalry and mercy, Abdelkader spent his later years in exile, advocating for peace and interfaith dialogue.

Born in 1819, William Rosecrans served as a Union general during the American Civil War, commanding the Army of the Cumberland. He played key roles in battles such as Stones River and Chickamauga. After the war, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives and was appointed United States Ambassador to Mexico. Known for his strategic acumen and diplomatic skills, he shaped both military and political affairs. He died in 1898, leaving a legacy as a civic leader and military strategist.

Born in 1852, Schalk Willem Burger trained as a lawyer before becoming a military commander during the Second Boer War. He was appointed Acting State President of the South African Republic in 1900, leading the republic through turbulent peace negotiations. Burger negotiated terms at the 1902 peace conference that ended the conflict. After the war, he returned to legal practice and continued public service. He died in 1918, remembered for his leadership both on the battlefield and in government.

Claire Lee Chennault was an American aviator and military leader famed for commanding the Flying Tigers in China during World War II. He developed innovative fighter tactics that leveraged speed and surprise against Japanese aircraft. Initially a civilian pilot and stunt flyer, he became a major in the Chinese Air Force before leading the all-volunteer American Volunteer Group. His leadership boosted Allied morale and hindered Japanese advances. After the AVG disbanded, he formed the US Army Air Forces' 23rd Fighter Group. Chennault continued advising on aerial strategy until his death in 1958.

Born in 1917 into an aristocratic family in Germany, Philipp von Boeselager studied economics before joining the Wehrmacht as an officer. He became involved in the July 20 plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler and helped plan the resistance from within the military. After the failed coup, he escaped execution by the Gestapo and lived to see the end of World War II. Following the war, he built a career in economics and public service, advising on reconstruction efforts in Germany. His courageous stand against tyranny was recognized late in life, and he remained an influential figure until his death in 2008.

Colin McColl was born in 1932 and dedicated his life to serving in the United Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Service. Rising through the ranks during the Cold War, he managed critical operations that shaped global intelligence efforts. From 1994 to 1999, McColl served as Chief of MI6, overseeing the agency's transition to post–Cold War challenges. He championed modernization and closer collaboration with international partners to address emerging threats. His tenure is remembered for strategic leadership and a commitment to safeguarding national security.