September 07

Born in 1869 in the Orange Free State, Ben Viljoen rose to prominence during the Second Boer War as a skilled guerrilla leader. He employed innovative tactics that confounded British forces and earned him a reputation as a formidable strategist. After the war, he traveled to the United States and Europe, lobbying for international support of Boer independence. Viljoen documented his wartime experiences in memoirs that remain valuable accounts of the conflict. His passionate advocacy and writings solidified his legacy as a key figure in South African history.

Eric Harrison was born in 1892 in Australia and served in the Australian Imperial Force during World War I. After the war, he embarked on a political career and was elected to the House of Representatives in 1931. A longtime member of government, he held several ministerial portfolios before being appointed Minister for Defence in 1956. As Defence Minister, he championed modernization and expansion of the Australian armed forces during the Cold War era. During his tenure, he oversaw key strategic reviews and procurement programs that shaped modern defence policy. He retired from politics in 1971 and passed away in 1974.

Leonard Cheshire was born in Chester, England, in 1917 and joined the Royal Air Force at the outbreak of World War II. As a bomber pilot, he flew over 100 missions and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery and leadership. After the war, he felt called to charitable work and established homes for the sick and disabled, which grew into the global Leonard Cheshire Disability organization. He served as a United Nations envoy to Ethiopia and focused on international development and relief efforts. Knighted for his humanitarian contributions, Cheshire remained active in service and peace initiatives. He died in 1992, leaving a legacy of compassion and advocacy for vulnerable communities.

Born on September 7, 1924 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Daniel Inouye enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving with the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Severely wounded in combat, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism. After the war, Inouye earned a law degree and entered politics, becoming a U.S. Representative in 1959 and a U.S. Senator in 1962. He served in the Senate for 50 years, holding leadership roles including President pro tempore and championing civil rights, veterans' benefits, and Hawaiian statehood. His legacy endures as a soldier-statesman who broke barriers for Asian Americans in government.