January 14

Edward Cornwallis was a British Army officer born in 1713. He founded Halifax in Nova Scotia in 1749 and served as its governor until 1752. During his tenure, he established key fortifications and negotiated with local Indigenous peoples, though his policies sparked controversy. Later in his career, Cornwallis was appointed Governor of Gibraltar, overseeing its defense and administration. He continued to shape British colonial policy until his death in 1776.

Born in 1832, Fergusson inherited the baronetcy and embarked on a military career, serving in the Grenadier Guards. He transitioned to colonial administration and was appointed Governor of South Australia (1869–1873), where he promoted infrastructure development and encouraged immigration. From 1873 to 1874, he served as Governor of New Zealand, navigating complex relations with Māori communities. Later, he became Governor of Bombay (1880–1885), overseeing reforms in education and public health. Fergusson also sat in the British Parliament, where he supported imperial policies and military veterans. He passed away in 1907, remembered for his multifaceted career in military service and colonial governance.

Born in 1880, Asım Gündüz graduated from the Ottoman Military Academy. He served as an officer during World War I on various fronts. After the war, Gündüz joined Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's forces in the Turkish War of Independence. He commanded troops in key battles that secured Turkey's sovereignty. Gündüz later contributed to military training and organizational reforms in the early Republic. His leadership influenced the development of the modern Turkish Armed Forces.

Robert Anthony Eden, born in 1897, fought in World War I before embarking on a political career. He held the office of Foreign Secretary three times under Winston Churchill and was known for his expertise in diplomacy. Eden became Prime Minister in 1955, facing challenges such as the Hungarian Uprising and the Suez Crisis. His decision to intervene in Egypt during the Suez Crisis led to international controversy and his eventual resignation in 1957. Created Earl of Avon, he continued to influence British politics behind the scenes. Eden died in 1977, remembered for his diplomatic skill and service to his country.

Born in Arkansas in 1893, Spencer served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War I, demonstrating leadership and dedication. After the war, he pursued a legal career and entered public service in his home state. He was appointed to the U.S. Senate in 1941 to fill a vacancy and focused on wartime legislation and veterans' affairs. Following his Senate term, he continued his public service as chairman of the Arkansas Highway Commission. Spencer remained active in state politics until his retirement. He passed away on January 14, 1981, remembered for his dual commitment to military service and civic duty.

Born in 1913 in Quebec, Ménard embarked on a military career with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. He served in key theaters during World War II and the Korean War, earning a reputation for steadfast leadership. He rose through the ranks to become a Major General, holding significant command and staff positions. Known for his strategic acumen and dedication to his troops, he played a pivotal role in shaping post-war Canadian military policy. A recipient of the Order of the British Empire and other military honors, his contributions were widely recognized. After retiring in 1967 following over three decades of service, he remained an advocate for veterans' affairs.

Zhang Wannian (1928–2015) was a senior Chinese military leader who served as Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, the top defense body of the People's Republic of China. A veteran of the Korean War, he held key command positions in the Nanjing and Beijing Military Regions. Zhang was a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party and contributed to military modernization efforts. His strategic insights influenced China's defense policies during the 1990s. He received numerous honors, including the Liberation Medal. Zhang's leadership helped shape the development of the modern Chinese armed forces.