December 17

Born in 1640, Lumley distinguished himself as a soldier under Charles II before supporting William of Orange in the Glorious Revolution. For his loyalty, he was rewarded with the title Earl of Scarbrough and appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. He held key military commands and contributed to the stabilization of post-revolutionary England. Lumley also managed extensive estates and upheld the interests of the Crown in Lancashire. His career exemplified the close ties between military service and political office in early 18th-century Britain.

Born in 1783 into a wealthy Caracas family, Bolívar led a series of liberation campaigns across South America. He liberated Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia from Spanish rule, earning the title "El Libertador." As second President of Gran Colombia and later President of Bolivia, he sought to unite the newly independent states. His political vision included a federated Latin America, though regional rivalries thwarted his plans. Bolívar's legacy endures in the numerous capitals and nations that bear his name and the ideals of freedom he championed.

Born in 1774 in Ireland, Beaufort joined the Royal Navy and rose to the rank of captain. He conducted detailed surveys of coastlines and led scientific expeditions, improving nautical maps. As Hydrographer of the Navy from 1829 to 1855, he established systematic chart production and distribution. His Beaufort scale, introduced in 1806, standardized wind force measurement and remains in use today. Beaufort's work laid foundations for modern hydrography and meteorology, influencing maritime navigation.

Manuel de Oliveira Gomes da Costa (1863-1929) was a career military officer instrumental in the 28 May 1926 coup d'état that ended Portugal's First Republic. Appointed head of state, he served as the country's tenth President for a brief period before political rivalries forced his resignation. Gomes da Costa had previously distinguished himself in colonial campaigns and military leadership. His rise and fall highlighted the instability of Portugal's interwar era. He died in relative obscurity shortly after leaving office, leaving a complex legacy in Portuguese history.

Born in 1895, Allen Bathurst, Lord Apsley was the son of the 5th Earl Bathurst and inherited the courtesy title Lord Apsley. He served with distinction as a lieutenant in the British Army during World War I, earning recognition for his leadership on the Western Front. After the war, he entered politics as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Southampton, where he advocated for social welfare and veterans' affairs. Bathurst acted as Parliamentary Private Secretary to senior cabinet ministers and was known for his eloquent speeches. With the outbreak of World War II, he re-enlisted in the Royal Air Force and served as a pilot. In December 1942, Bathurst was killed when the aircraft he was traveling in was shot down over the Mediterranean. His dual legacy as a soldier and parliamentarian is remembered for his dedication to public service.

Born in 1924 in Honolulu, Daniel Inouye enlisted in the U.S. Army’s 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II, earning the Medal of Honor for his bravery in Italy. After the war, he graduated from the University of Hawaii and Harvard Law School before embarking on a political career. Inouye was elected to the U.S. House in 1959 and to the Senate in 1962, where he served for over 50 years and became President pro tempore. A trailblazer for Asian American representation, he secured federal investments for Hawaii and championed civil rights. Inouye passed away in 2012, leaving a lasting legacy of service and leadership.

Lowell Steward (1919–2014) was an American pilot and captain in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. As one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, he flew over 100 combat missions in the European theater, breaking racial barriers in the military. After the war, Steward became a lawyer and civil rights advocate, dedicating himself to his community in Los Angeles. He remained an active voice for veterans' rights and African American history, receiving numerous honors for his service and leadership. His legacy endures as a symbol of courage and perseverance in the face of discrimination.

Ivan Vekić (1938–2014) was a Croatian lawyer, colonel, and politician instrumental in his nation's struggle for independence. He was appointed Minister of the Interior in 1991, overseeing the establishment of the Croatian police force amid wartime challenges. Vekić played a key role in organizing national defense and navigating complex negotiations during the Croatian War of Independence. After leaving politics, he continued his legal career and contributed to discussions on security and governance. His efforts helped lay the foundation for Croatia's democratic institutions.

Benjamin A. Gilman (1922–2016) was an American lawyer and politician who represented New York in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1973 to 2003. A decorated World War II veteran, he served in the U.S. Army and was awarded multiple honors for his service in Europe. As chairman of the House International Relations Committee, Gilman shaped U.S. foreign policy during the 1990s. He sponsored the Gilman Scholarship program to promote international educational exchanges among U.S. students. After leaving Congress, he remained active in public service and foreign affairs consulting.