September 13

Born in 1604, Brereton was created a baronet in 1627 and served as MP for Cheshire. He became a key military commander for Parliament against King Charles I in the English Civil War. Brereton’s disciplined leadership secured crucial victories in northwest England and disrupted Royalist supply lines. After the conflict, he retired from public life, remembered for his strategic acumen and civic commitment. He died in 1698, his efforts contributing to the transformation of British governance.

Born in Cornwall, Connecticut, in 1813, Sedgwick graduated from West Point in 1837. He saw action in the Mexican–American War and taught mathematics and engineering at West Point. During the Civil War he commanded the VI Corps of the Army of the Potomac with distinction. Sedgwick was known for his leadership at battles such as Antietam and Chancellorsville. He was tragically killed by a sniper at the Battle of Spotsylvania in 1864, becoming the highest-ranking Union casualty.

Born in Alabama in 1842, Bankhead served as a lieutenant in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. After the war, he studied law and entered state politics, winning election to the U.S. House in 1887. He later represented Alabama in the U.S. Senate from 1907 until his death in 1920. Bankhead championed agricultural and infrastructure improvements, notably supporting federal road funding. His legislative efforts influenced national highway development and rural electrification.

Born in Missouri in 1860, Pershing graduated from West Point and served on the western frontier. He taught law and military science at the University of Nebraska before joining campaigns in the Philippines and Mexico. In 1917, he was appointed commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe during World War I. Pershing insisted on operating American units under U.S. command, contributing to Allied victory. Promoted to General of the Armies, he remained a revered military leader until his death in 1948.

Born in British-ruled India in 1865, William Birdwood entered the British Army in 1884 and served on the Northwest Frontier and in the Boer War. In World War I, he commanded the ANZAC Corps during the Gallipoli Campaign and later led the Fifth Army on the Western Front. After the war, Birdwood was appointed Commander-in-Chief in India and worked on military reforms and troop welfare. Renowned for his leadership and empathy toward soldiers, he was honored with numerous decorations. He passed away in 1951, leaving a legacy as a distinguished military commander.

Petros Voulgaris was a distinguished admiral in the Hellenic Navy who rose to the position of 136th Prime Minister of Greece. Born in 1883, he commanded naval forces through the Balkan Wars and World War I, earning a reputation for strategic acumen. In the aftermath of World War II, Voulgaris led a transitional government from 1945 to 1946, overseeing free elections and the restoration of civil order. He played a key role in modernizing the Greek naval fleet and strengthening maritime defenses. Revered for his integrity and dedication, Voulgaris remains a respected figure in both military and political history.

Maurice K. Goddard served as a colonel in the U.S. Army during and after World War II, overseeing training programs and logistics. Following his military career, he entered public service in Pennsylvania, focusing on land management and conservation. As Secretary of Forests and Waters, he spearheaded the development of numerous state parks and recreational areas. Goddard's vision of accessible green spaces led to the creation of over 45 parks, earning him the nickname 'Father of the Pennsylvania State Park System'. He later held leadership roles in the Department of Conservation, promoting sustainable land use policies. Known for his pragmatic leadership and dedication, he influenced conservation efforts nationwide. Goddard's legacy lives on in the parks and natural areas he helped protect for future generations.

Born in 1917, Robert Ward balanced his military service with a prolific career in music composition. He composed works that blended classical traditions with American themes. In addition to composing, he dedicated time to educating aspiring musicians at various institutions. Ward's dual legacy in military service and music education set him apart as a multifaceted figure. He was honored by both military organizations and musical societies for his contributions. Until his death in 2013, he continued to compose, teach, and inspire the next generation of artists.

J. Frank Raley Jr. was born in 1926 in Maryland. He served in the U.S. Army before earning his law degree and entering politics. Raley was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates and later the State Senate. He championed public education, sponsoring legislation to improve schools and resources. His advocacy led to the construction of new universities and training centers in rural areas. After public service, Raley practiced law and continued community involvement. He is remembered for his dedication to veterans and educational access.

Tzannis Tzannetakis was born in 1928 on the island of Crete, Greece. He joined the Greek military and served during the post-World War II era. Tzannetakis became involved in politics following the restoration of democracy in 1974. In 1989, he was appointed Prime Minister in a coalition government during a national crisis. His short tenure focused on judicial reform and reconciliation after political turmoil. After leaving office, he continued to serve in parliament and held various ministerial roles. Tzannetakis is remembered for navigating Greece through a challenging transitional period.

Sitiveni Rabuka began his career as a military officer in the Fijian Army, rising to prominence after leading two coups in 1987. Transitioning into politics, he founded a political party and was elected as Fiji’s Prime Minister in 1992. His tenure focused on reconciling ethnic divisions, drafting a new constitution, and restoring civilian governance. After a stint in opposition, Rabuka returned to power in 2022, reinforcing Fiji’s regional leadership role. He has been praised for diplomatic efforts within the Pacific Islands Forum and for community development work. Despite controversies, Rabuka’s influence on modern Fijian politics and governance remains profound.

Martin Hurson was an Irish Republican born in 1956 in Cappagh, County Tyrone. A volunteer in the Provisional IRA, he was arrested in 1976 for weapons offenses and sentenced to imprisonment at the Maze Prison. In 1981, Hurson joined the blanket protest and then the hunger strike to demand political status for republican prisoners. After 46 days without food, he died on July 13, 1981, becoming one of the ten hunger strikers who drew international attention to the Northern Ireland conflict. His sacrifice intensified political support for the republican movement and contributed to changes in British prison policy. Hurson is remembered as a symbol of resistance and martyrdom in the struggle for Irish self-determination.