December 14

Charles Howard (1536–1624), 1st Earl of Nottingham, was a leading naval commander under Elizabeth I. As Lord High Admiral, he orchestrated England's defense against the Spanish Armada in 1588. His innovative tactics and leadership secured a pivotal victory that shaped European naval power. Beyond his naval career, he served as First Lord of the Admiralty and on the Privy Council. Howard also supported exploratory voyages, contributing to England's maritime expansion. Revered as a national hero, he helped establish England as a dominant seafaring nation.

George Washington (1732–1799) was an American Founding Father who led the Continental Army to victory during the Revolutionary War. Born in Virginia, he gained military experience in the French and Indian War before assuming command of colonial forces in 1775. His leadership and strategic insight were crucial in securing American independence. After presiding over the Constitutional Convention, he was unanimously elected as the first President of the United States, serving two terms from 1789 to 1797. Washington set enduring precedents for the office, including the peaceful transfer of power and a nonpartisan approach to governance. Revered as the father of his country, his commitment to republican ideals shaped the political culture of the new nation.

Born in England in 1887, Ninnis embarked on a naval career before joining Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition to Antarctica in 1910. He served as sledging officer and surveyor, helping to chart previously unrecorded regions of the Ross Ice Shelf. Known for his leadership and surveying skills, he played a crucial role in the expedition’s scientific and geographic objectives. On December 14, 1912, he fell through an iceberg crevasse with essential supplies during a sledging journey, leading to his untimely death. His loss marked a tragic turning point for Scott’s team, impacting their hopes of returning safely. Ninnis is remembered as a brave and dedicated explorer whose efforts expanded understanding of the Antarctic landscape.

Born in 1855, Jackson embarked on a distinguished career in the Royal Navy, serving in various global postings. He emerged as a leading authority on wireless telegraphy, overseeing some of the first successful ship-to-ship radio communications around 1900. His experiments and advocacy led to the integration of wireless systems into naval operations, greatly enhancing fleet coordination. Jackson held key posts such as Controller of the Navy’s Materiel Department, where he championed technological innovation. During World War I, his expertise ensured reliable communication for British naval squadrons and merchant convoys. Knighted for his contributions, Jackson’s legacy endures in both naval history and the evolution of global telecommunications.

Jean Schramme (1929-1988) was a Belgian military officer turned mercenary who fought during the Congo Crisis. He commanded forces for Moïse Tshombe's Katangan secessionist movement, becoming one of Africa's most notorious soldiers of fortune. After the collapse of Katanga, Schramme settled in Zaire as a farmer, blending civilian life with his military past. In later years, he was convicted of murder in Belgium following a violent altercation, tarnishing his controversial legacy. His life exemplifies the complex and often dark role of private soldiers in post-colonial conflicts.

Born in 1923, John Graham had a long career in the British Army, rising through the ranks to become a general. He was respected by his peers for his leadership and commitment to mentoring junior officers. Over the course of his service, Graham contributed to various training programs and strategic planning initiatives. His career reflected a steadfast dedication to duty and the welfare of his troops. Graham passed away in 2012, remembered as a devoted military leader.

Terry Backer (1954–2015) served in the U.S. Army before embarking on a career in politics. He was elected to the Connecticut State House of Representatives in 1984 and served until 2011. Backer was a passionate advocate for environmental conservation, sponsoring key legislation on clean air and water. His background as a soldier informed his strong leadership and commitment to public service. He chaired committees on energy and the environment, influencing state policy for over two decades. Backer's dedication to his constituents and the environment left a lasting impact on Connecticut governance.