January 29

Frederick Henry (1584–1647) was Prince of Orange and stadtholder of several Dutch provinces during the Eighty Years' War. As a skilled military commander, he secured key victories against Spanish forces and negotiated the Twelve Years' Truce in 1609. His diplomatic efforts and administrative reforms strengthened the political stability of the Dutch Republic. Frederick Henry patronized the arts and encouraged urban development in The Hague. Under his leadership, the Republic enjoyed economic growth and international prestige. He is celebrated for uniting military prowess with statecraft, leaving a lasting legacy for the House of Orange.

Countess Amalie Elisabeth of Hanau-Münzenberg (1602–1651) served as regent of Hesse-Kassel after her husband’s death, governing during the minority of her son. She directed military campaigns and negotiated alliances in the Thirty Years' War, securing territorial gains and reparations. Her diplomatic skill was instrumental in the Peace of Westphalia, which affirmed her state's sovereignty. Known for her fierce determination and administrative talent, she managed both domestic affairs and wartime finances. Amalie Elisabeth maintained correspondence with European rulers and inspired other female leaders. Her reign stands out as a rare example of female leadership in early modern Europe.

Jeffery Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst, was an English field marshal renowned for his leadership in the Seven Years' War. He captured key French forts at Louisbourg and Montreal, securing British dominance in North America. Appointed Commander-in-Chief of British forces in America, he implemented aggressive strategies against French and indigenous forces. As 19th Governor General of Canada from 1760 to 1763, he oversaw the transition of power in newly acquired territories. His tenure is marred by controversy over alleged use of smallpox-infected blankets during Pontiac's War. Raised to the peerage as Baron Amherst, he returned to Britain and remained influential until his death in 1797.

Moses Cleaveland was born in 1754 in Canterbury, Connecticut, and served as a major in the Continental Army. After the war, he practiced law and became a politician in Connecticut. In 1796, he joined the Connecticut Land Company as chief surveyor of the Western Reserve. He led the expedition that established a settlement on the shores of Lake Erie, naming it 'Cleaveland'. His town plan laid the groundwork for what would become the city of Cleveland, Ohio. Although he returned to the East and never lived in the new city, his legacy endures in its name. He died in 1806, remembered as the founder of one of America's major urban centers.

Henry Lee III, known as 'Light-Horse Harry', was born in 1756 in Virginia into a prominent family. He earned his nickname through his exceptional command of light cavalry in the Revolutionary War. Lee led successful actions at battles such as Paulus Hook and Monmouth, gaining renown for his tactics. After the war, he served in the U.S. Congress and later as the ninth Governor of Virginia from 1791 to 1794. He was admired for his eloquence and delivered the famous eulogy of George Washington, calling him 'first in war, first in peace...'. Lee's legacy continued through his son, Confederate General Robert E. Lee. He died in 1818, leaving a reputation as a skilled soldier and statesman.

Born in Guantánamo Province, Cuba, Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez joined the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces and trained as a military pilot. In 1980, he flew aboard Soyuz 38 to the Salyut 6 space station, becoming the first Cuban and first Latin American in space. His mission conducted experiments in space medicine, biology, and materials science under the Intercosmos program. Following his historic flight, Tamayo Méndez served as a deputy in Cuba’s National Assembly and on the Council of State. He has received numerous honors, including the Hero of the Republic of Cuba and awards from the Soviet Union. His journey broke racial barriers and remains an inspiration in aerospace history.

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is a retired Indian Army Colonel and Olympic silver medalist shooter. He won India's first individual silver medal in shooting at the 2004 Athens Olympics in double trap. Rathore was appointed Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army in recognition of his achievements. After sports, he entered politics with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He served as Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and later as Sports Minister. Rathore has been a member of the Lok Sabha representing Jaipur Rural constituency.

Jake Auchincloss is an American public servant and entrepreneur who has represented Massachusetts's 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2021. A former Marine Corps intelligence officer, Auchincloss co-founded a software startup before entering politics. He began his public service on the Newton City Council and later served in the U.S. Treasury Department under the Obama administration. His legislative focus includes climate action, veterans’ affairs, and economic innovation. Auchincloss is known for his bipartisan approach to governance and has introduced bills to advance renewable energy and support small businesses. His diverse background in military, business, and public policy informs his pragmatic leadership style.