December 20

Born in Patras in 1898, Konstantinos Dovas rose through the ranks of the Hellenic Army to become a lieutenant general. In 1952, amidst political turmoil, he was appointed Prime Minister to lead a caretaker government and oversee new elections. Dovas focused on restoring stability and implementing military reforms. After leaving office, he continued to advise on national defense matters. He died in 1973, remembered for his service both on the battlefield and in government.

Born in 1924 in Ontario, Judy LaMarsh served in the Canadian Women's Army Corps during World War II. After the war, she studied law and practiced as a lawyer. In 1960, she was elected to the House of Commons as a Liberal MP. In 1963, she was appointed the 42nd Secretary of State for Canada, promoting Canadian culture, bilingualism, and women's rights. As one of the first female federal cabinet ministers, she broke barriers for women in Canadian politics. After leaving politics in 1967, she pursued a career in broadcasting and writing, publishing her memoirs. She remained an influential public figure until her death in 1980. Her legacy endures through scholarships and awards supporting women in public service.

Born in 1927 on Geoje Island, Kim Young-sam served as an army officer during the Korean War. Elected to the National Assembly in 1954, he became a leading opposition figure against authoritarian governments. After years under house arrest and political pressure, he won the presidency in 1992 as a candidate for democratic change. During his 1993–1998 term, he implemented anti-corruption measures and financial reforms that transformed South Korea's economy. He lifted martial law, encouraged foreign investment, and strengthened civil liberties. Kim's leadership helped solidify South Korea's transition to democratic governance. He retired from public life after his term and died in 2015, remembered as a champion of democracy.

Born into a military family, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz rose through the ranks of the Mauritanian army to become a general. He led a successful coup in 2008 and was elected President of Mauritania the following year. During his tenure, he focused on combating Islamic extremism and improving national infrastructure. He pursued economic reforms and sought to attract foreign investment to boost the country’s development. His presidency was marked by both praise for stability and criticism over human rights issues. After leaving office, he remained an influential figure in Mauritanian politics and security affairs.