September 14

Eliphalet Dyer (1721–1807) studied law and established a successful practice in Windham, Connecticut. He served as an officer in the militia during the French and Indian War. Dyer represented Connecticut in the Continental Congress from 1774 to 1775, supporting the call for colonial unity. After the Revolution, he was appointed as a judge of the Connecticut Supreme Court and later chief judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He also helped draft Connecticut's state constitution and worked on land speculation ventures. His career spanned military, judicial, and legislative roles during a formative period of American history.

Lord William Bentinck began his military career in the British Army before being appointed Governor General of India in 1828. During his tenure he implemented major reforms including the abolition of sati and suppression of thuggee. He modernized the Indian revenue system and promoted education by reopening universities and encouraging English instruction. Bentinck restructured the civil service to reduce corruption and appointed qualified Indians to administrative positions. His policies laid early foundations for British colonial governance and influenced later reformers. He returned to England in 1835 and continued to advocate for social progress until his death in 1839.

John Olof Dahlgren was born in 1872 in Sweden and emigrated to the United States as a young man. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with distinction during the Indian Wars in the late 19th century. Dahlgren displayed extraordinary bravery in combat, leading to his being awarded the Medal of Honor. His citation recognized his courage in engaging hostile forces to protect his fellow soldiers. After his military service, he settled in America and remained a respected veteran. He died in 1963, remembered for his heroic actions and immigrant story.

Born in 1892, Laurence W. Allen joined the Royal Flying Corps at the outbreak of World War I. He flew reconnaissance and combat missions on the Western Front, demonstrating skill under fire. Allen was credited with several aerial victories and earned military honors for bravery. After the war, he continued to serve in the RAF, contributing to early developments in military aviation tactics. He also trained new generations of pilots during the interwar period. Allen retired with the rank of lieutenant but remained involved in aviation clubs and historical societies. He passed away in 1968, remembered as a trailblazer in early military aviation.

Alfred Käärmann served with distinction in the Estonian military before turning to writing as a way to preserve wartime memories. His books and memoirs offer candid accounts of military life, combat, and the personal impact of conflict. Käärmann’s dual roles as soldier and author gave him unique insight into both strategy and human experience. His writings continue to be valued by historians and readers interested in 20th-century European history. He is remembered for his honest storytelling and dedication to recording the past.

Jim Angle served in the U.S. Army before beginning a career in journalism in the 1970s. He joined CNN in its early years, covering the White House and Capitol Hill with clarity and depth. Later, he moved to Fox News, where his analytical reporting and calm delivery earned him respect in a polarized media landscape. Over his 40-year career, Angle interviewed presidents, policymakers, and key political figures, helping viewers understand complex issues. He received multiple journalism awards for his work in political coverage. Angle's dual experience in the military and media provided a rare perspective, shaping his reputation as a trusted voice until his passing in 2022.

Joe McDonnell was a member of the Irish Republican Army and one of the ten men who took part in the 1981 Irish hunger strike. Born in Belfast, he joined the Provisional IRA in the early 1970s and was arrested in 1976 for his involvement in arms offences. While imprisoned in HMP Maze, he protested alongside other IRA prisoners against the removal of Special Category Status. On 19 July 1981, after 61 days without food, he died at age 25, galvanizing international attention to the Northern Ireland conflict. His death deepened the sectarian divisions and fueled further political activism. He is remembered as a symbol of sacrifice in the republican movement.