October 30

Henry Dunant (1828-1910) was a Swiss businessman and social activist best known for founding the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1863. After witnessing the Battle of Solferino in 1859, he campaigned for neutral medical assistance to wounded soldiers, leading to the Geneva Convention of 1864. In recognition of his efforts, Dunant shared the inaugural Nobel Peace Prize in 1901. His writings and advocacy laid the foundation for modern humanitarian law and neutral relief organizations. Despite personal financial difficulties later in life, his legacy endures in the principles of impartial aid and international cooperation. Dunant is remembered as a pioneer of humanitarianism.

Phyllis Frost was born in 1917 in Victoria, Australia. Concerned about environmental and community welfare, she established Keep Australia Beautiful to combat litter and promote civic pride. Over several decades, Frost championed educational programs and volunteer initiatives to improve urban and rural environments. Her dedication to philanthropy earned her the Order of Australia and other honors. She served on numerous charitable boards, supporting causes related to health, youth, and the environment. Frost's work inspired community involvement and raised awareness of conservation across Australia. She passed away in 2004, leaving a lasting legacy of civic engagement.

Washoe (1965–2007) was a groundbreaking chimpanzee who became the first non-human to acquire and use American Sign Language in a research setting. Trained by psychologists Allen and Beatrice Gardner, Washoe learned over 250 signs and demonstrated the ability to create new combinations to express ideas. Her achievements challenged assumptions about the uniqueness of human language and cognition. Documented in numerous studies and books, Washoe’s communication skills influenced fields from primatology to linguistics. She lived at the University of Oklahoma and later at the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute, interacting with other signing apes. Washoe’s pioneering work paved the way for further research into animal intelligence and ethology, securing her place in scientific history.