February 25

John Wood the Younger was born in Bath in 1728 to a family of architects. He succeeded his father and helped design much of Georgian Bath's city centre. His masterpiece, the Royal Crescent (1767–1774), exemplifies Palladian elegance. He also contributed to the development of the Circus and various urban plans. Wood blended classical proportions with functional urban design. His work helped secure Bath's status as a leading Georgian spa town.

Born at Windsor Castle in 1883 as the daughter of Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, Alice was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria. In 1904, she married Prince Alexander of Teck and became Countess of Athlone. She served as Vicereine of Canada from 1940 to 1946 alongside her husband, supporting war charities and uniting Canadians during World War II. Alice was Chancellor of the University of Trinity College in Toronto and held patronage roles in organizations such as the British Red Cross and Girl Guides. She witnessed dramatic changes in Europe across two world wars. Living until 1981, she was the last direct link to Victorian royalty. Her long life and steadfast public service left an enduring royal legacy.

Born in Windsor Castle in 1885, Alice of Battenberg married Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and became a devoted mother and philanthropist. After fleeing Greece during the Balkan Wars, she lived in exile, caring for the sick and poor. During the Nazi occupation of Greece, she hid a Jewish family in her Athens home and was later recognized as Righteous Among the Nations. In 1938, she founded the Greek Orthodox Christian Sisterhood of Martha and Mary, dedicating her life to religious service. Suffering from mental illness, she eventually took vows as a nun on the Mount of Olives. Alice returned to Britain in 1952 and died in 1969. Her courage and faith continue to inspire many around the world.

Millicent Fenwick (1910–1992) was an American journalist, fashion editor, and politician known for her integrity. She began her career as a Vogue fashion editor and a columnist before entering politics. Elected to the New Jersey General Assembly and later to the U.S. House of Representatives, she served from 1975 to 1983. Nicknamed “the conscience of Congress,” Fenwick championed human rights, environmental protection, and government accountability. In 1983, she became the U.S. Ambassador to the UN Commission on Human Rights. Her outspoken and principled leadership made her a beloved public figure and role model.

Pierre Laporte was born in 1921 in Montreal, Canada, and began his career as a journalist. He earned a law degree and practiced law before entering politics. Laporte joined the Quebec Liberal Party and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Premier under Premier Jean Lesage during the Quiet Revolution. His efforts focused on modernizing Quebec's government and advocating for social reforms. In 1970, during the October Crisis, Laporte was kidnapped by the Front de libération du Québec and was tragically killed, shocking the province and the nation. He is remembered for his commitment to public service and his lasting impact on Quebec's political history.

Bob Schieffer spent over five decades at CBS News, reporting on landmark events such as Watergate, the Gulf War, and presidential elections. As the longtime moderator of 'Face the Nation,' he became a trusted voice in American political journalism. He served as chief Washington correspondent and anchor, earning multiple Emmy and Peabody Awards for his work. Schieffer also authored books that offered insider perspectives on the news industry. Known for his calm demeanour and incisive questioning, he mentored many of today’s leading reporters. His career set a high standard for integrity and clarity in broadcast journalism.

Born on February 25, 1957, in Camlough, County Armagh, Northern Ireland. Joined the Provisional Irish Republican Army amid the Northern Ireland conflict. Arrested and convicted for his involvement in IRA operations in 1976. Participated in the 1981 hunger strike at HM Prison Maze to protest political status. Died on May 21, 1981, after 61 days without food, becoming a symbol of resistance. His sacrifice had a profound impact on public opinion and the course of the conflict.

Kash Patel studied at Pennsylvania State University and earned his law degree from George Washington University. As a federal prosecutor, he specialized in counterterrorism cases at the Department of Justice. He later served as senior counsel on the U.S. House Intelligence Committee before being appointed chief of staff to the Acting Secretary of Defense. Patel was named Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council, where he oversaw policy on terrorism and homeland security. Known for his expertise in legal and security matters, he remains active in consulting and commentary on national security issues.