September 8

Dvořák was one of the most celebrated composers of the Romantic era, known for blending Bohemian folk traditions with classical structure. His Symphony No. 9, "From the New World," composed during a stay in the United States, became one of the most beloved symphonic works ever written. He served as director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York from 1892 to 1895.

Richard I, known as the Lionheart, was King of England from 1189 until his death in 1199. He was one of the leaders of the Third Crusade and a renowned military commander, spending the majority of his reign campaigning abroad. Despite his largely absent kingship, he became an enduring symbol of chivalric valor in English legend.

Sassoon was a decorated World War I officer who became one of the war's most searingly critical poets. His graphic verse challenged the glorification of combat and gave voice to the suffering of ordinary soldiers. His open protest against the continuation of the war in 1917 was a remarkable act of public dissent.

Patsy Cline was one of the most influential vocalists in the history of country music, whose rich contralto voice transcended genres. Hits like "Crazy" and "I Fall to Pieces" made her one of the first country artists to cross over to mainstream pop audiences. She died in a plane crash in 1963 at the age of 30.

Bernie Sanders served as the longest-running independent in U.S. congressional history before becoming a U.S. Senator from Vermont. His democratic socialist platform, including calls for universal healthcare and free college tuition, energized millions of voters during his 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns. He became a defining figure of progressive politics in the 21st century.