April 21

Born in Venice, Marco Antonio Bragadin trained as a lawyer before entering the military service of the Republic of Venice. He was appointed commander of the garrison at Famagusta on Cyprus during the Ottoman–Venetian War. For nearly a year, he skillfully defended the city against overwhelming Ottoman forces. After the city's fall in August 1571, he was taken prisoner and brutally executed, becoming a symbol of heroic resistance. His martyrdom inspired widespread outrage in Europe and galvanized support for the Holy League. Bragadin's story remains a poignant example of courage and sacrifice in the face of conquest.

Born into the noble Noailles family in 1713, Louis de Noailles embarked on a military career that spanned several major European conflicts. He distinguished himself during the War of the Austrian Succession and rose to prominence in the Seven Years' War, earning a reputation for leadership and courage. Promoted to lieutenant general, he played a key role in the early years of the French Revolutionary Wars, defending royal interests while navigating the changing political landscape. Despite his aristocratic background, he sought to reconcile monarchical duty with revolutionary reforms. After retiring from active service, he witnessed the upheaval of the French Revolution and died in Paris in 1793, leaving behind a complex military legacy.

Born in Buenos Aires in 1790 to Spanish parents, Manuel Blanco Encalada joined the navy and fought in Chile's War of Independence. He rose quickly to the rank of admiral and played key roles in naval engagements against Spanish forces. After independence, Blanco Encalada took part in forming the new republic, becoming interim president in 1826. His brief presidency focused on stabilizing government finances and consolidating national institutions. He later served in diplomatic missions and continued to shape Chile's naval policies. Blanco Encalada retired from public life in 1840 and died in 1876, remembered as a founding figure of the Chilean nation.

Born in 1837, Fredrik Bajer served as a lieutenant in the Danish army before entering politics. As a member of the Danish parliament, he championed peaceful conflict resolution and the establishment of international arbitration. His efforts contributed to the formation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and advanced the cause of disarmament. In 1908, Bajer was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication to pacifism and diplomacy. He continued to advocate for international justice until his death in 1922, influencing future generations of peace activists.

Odd Lindbäck-Larsen was a Norwegian Army officer who played a significant role in the defense of Norway during World War II. Born in 1897, he rose through the ranks to become a major general, leading troops in the 1940 campaign against Germany. After the war, he dedicated himself to documenting Norway's military operations, publishing influential works on wartime strategy and national defense. His meticulous research and firsthand experience provided valuable insights into modern warfare. Lindbäck-Larsen's books remain important references for scholars and military professionals. He passed away in 1975, leaving a legacy as both a soldier and historian.

Odilo Globocnik was a prominent SS officer and Nazi official who oversaw operations in occupied Eastern Europe during World War II. Born in 1904, he joined the Austrian Nazi Party and rose to command key SS units before being appointed Higher SS and Police Leader in the Lublin district of Poland. Globocnik organized Operation Reinhard, the codename for the Nazi plan to exterminate Jews in the General Government, making him responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands. He managed the construction and operation of extermination camps such as Belzec, Sobibor, and Treblinka. After the war, Globocnik was captured by British forces but committed suicide in custody in 1945. His actions stand as a grim chapter in the history of the Holocaust.

Anthony Mason began his career in the Australian Army during World War II before embarking on a distinguished legal path. He built a reputation as a skilled barrister, becoming one of Australia's leading legal minds. In 1987, he was appointed Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, a position he held until 1995. Mason's tenure was marked by landmark decisions that shaped constitutional and commercial law across the country. He championed the modernization of court procedures and emphasized the importance of clarity in legal judgments. After retiring from the bench, he continued to contribute to international legal forums and inquiries. His legacy endures through his influential judgments and ongoing contributions to legal scholarship.

John Swinton of Kimmerghame had a distinguished military career in the British Army, rising to the rank of general. Over several decades of service, he held key command and staff positions, contributing to the defence establishment during the Cold War era. After retiring from active duty, Swinton was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Berwickshire, acting as the monarch's personal representative in the county. In this ceremonial role, he supported local civic, charitable, and military events, strengthening community ties. Swinton came from a historic Scottish family with centuries of tradition, and he was deeply engaged in preserving regional heritage. His leadership both in uniform and in public service made him a respected figure in both military and civilian circles.