March 26

Charles of Lorraine, Duke of Mayenne (1554–1611), was a French nobleman and leader of the Catholic League, a powerful faction fighting for Catholic interests in the French Wars of Religion. After the assassination of King Henry III, he assumed leadership of the League and resisted the accession of Henry IV. Mayenne's military campaigns and political maneuvers deeply influenced the balance of power in late 16th-century France. Despite his initial opposition, he later reconciled with the monarchy and secured his status and estates. His efforts exemplify the complex loyalties and conflicts of the Wars of Religion era.

Born in Saint Vincent in 1886, Hugh Mulzac embarked on a military career and devoted years of his life to serving in uniform. After leaving the armed forces, he transitioned into politics, campaigning on issues that affected his community. Mulzac worked to advocate for social reforms and civic engagement, striving to bring positive changes to the lives of his constituents. His experiences as both a soldier and a public servant shaped his approach to leadership and public service. He passed away in 1971, remembered for his commitment to duty and public life.

Franz Stangl rose through the ranks of the Nazi SS to become commandant of the Sobibor and Treblinka extermination camps, where he oversaw the mass murder of hundreds of thousands of people. Born in Austria in 1908, he joined the Nazi Party in 1931 and was recruited into the SS in 1939. After the war, he escaped to South America but was arrested in Brazil in 1967 following intense international investigation. In 1970, an Austrian court convicted him of crimes against humanity, and he was sentenced to life in prison. Stangl died in custody in 1971, his name forever linked with one of history's darkest chapters.

William Westmoreland (1914-2005) was a senior United States Army officer best known for commanding U.S. military operations during the Vietnam War. As Commander of U.S. forces from 1964 to 1968, he implemented a strategy of attrition aimed at weakening North Vietnamese units. He oversaw major battles including the Tet Offensive and faced criticism over casualty figures and progress assessments. After Vietnam, Westmoreland served as Chief of Staff of the Army from 1968 to 1972, guiding post-war restructuring. His military career spanned World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, earning him numerous awards including the Distinguished Service Cross. Westmoreland’s legacy remains controversial, reflecting the complexity of military leadership during a divisive conflict.

Gert Bastian was a German general who later became a prominent pacifist politician and peace activist. After a distinguished military career in the Bundeswehr, he co-founded the German Green Party. He served as a member of the Bundestag, advocating for nuclear disarmament and human rights. Bastian’s transformation from soldier to peace campaigner made him a symbol of political change. He worked closely with fellow activist Petra Kelly to shape environmental and social policies. Bastian’s life and work continue to inspire peace movements in Germany and beyond.

Born in 1925, Edward Graham served with distinction in the British Army before transitioning to politics. He became a prominent figure in local government in Edmonton and was later appointed as a life peer in the House of Lords. As Baron Graham of Edmonton, he represented the Conservative Party and focused on veterans' affairs and urban development. He held leadership roles in multiple veterans' organizations and contributed to key defense and community welfare legislation. His decades-long public service career left a lasting impact on both military and civilian spheres. He passed away in 2020, remembered for his dedication to his country and community.