February 29

Born into the Wittelsbach dynasty in 1528, Albert V became Duke of Bavaria in 1550. He earned the nickname 'the Wise' for his cultural and scholarly interests. Albert established the Bavarian State Library and collected a vast array of manuscripts and artworks. He supported the Jesuits and helped reinforce Catholicism during the Counter-Reformation. His court became a major center for music, literature, and scientific study. He died in 1579, leaving a legacy of intellectual and artistic patronage that shaped Bavarian culture.

Born in Scotland, James Milne Wilson emigrated to Australia and pursued a career in both military and public service. He represented Launceston in the Tasmanian House of Assembly and was known for his fiscal reforms. As Premier, he focused on railway expansion and responsible financial management during the gold rush era. His government laid the groundwork for Tasmania's modern infrastructure and economic stability. After leaving office, he continued to influence Tasmanian politics and served in the Legislative Council until his death.

Born in Dublin, Frank Gavan Duffy moved to Australia as a child and pursued a legal career. He was called to the Victorian Bar and gained a reputation as a skilled advocate in constitutional matters. Appointed to the High Court of Australia in 1913, he served with distinction for nearly two decades. In 1931, he became Chief Justice, overseeing decisions during a period of economic turmoil. His judgments influenced the interpretation of federal powers and helped shape Australian constitutional law.

Richard S. Aldrich graduated from Yale College and practiced law before entering politics. He served in the Rhode Island state legislature, where he focused on judicial and maritime issues. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1923, he represented Rhode Island's First District until 1933. As chairman of the Merchant Marine Committee, he championed federal support for shipping and naval expansion. After leaving Congress, he returned to legal practice while continuing civic involvement in Providence.

Morarji Desai began his career as a civil servant in Bombay before joining the Indian independence movement. A senior leader in the Indian National Congress, he held key ministerial portfolios post-independence. Elected Prime Minister in 1977 as leader of the Janata Party, he ended the Emergency and restored democratic norms. Known for his personal austerity, he promoted prohibition and rural development initiatives. His tenure marked India's first non-Congress government, influencing the nation's political direction for decades.

Rolland W. Redlin was born in 1920 and established a legal career in North Dakota before entering politics. He served multiple terms in the state House of Representatives and Senate, championing agricultural and educational initiatives. Redlin was respected for his bipartisan efforts and commitment to rural communities. Outside the legislature, he remained active in local civic organizations and legal circles. His four decades of public service left a lasting impact on North Dakota’s legislative landscape. He died in 2011, remembered as a tireless advocate for his constituents.

David Beattie was born in 1924 and pursued a distinguished legal career, culminating in his appointment as a High Court judge. In 1980, he was named the 14th Governor-General of New Zealand, representing the Crown until 1985. During his term, Beattie focused on national unity and supported numerous charitable and cultural organizations. After completing his viceregal duties, he remained active in public life, advising on legal and constitutional matters. He passed away in 2001, remembered for his dignified leadership and contributions to New Zealand’s judiciary and nation.

Born in 1924, Carlos Humberto Romero rose through the military ranks before winning election as President in 1977. His administration faced growing social and economic tensions, leading to widespread protests and allegations of human rights abuses. Under his leadership, El Salvador experienced increasing polarization that set the stage for the civil conflict of the 1980s. Romero was deposed in a military coup in 1979 and spent his later years in exile before returning to his homeland. He died in 2017, a figure closely associated with the nation’s turbulent history.

Jack R. Lousma (born February 29, 1936) is an American former Marine Corps colonel, NASA astronaut, and politician. He earned his naval aviator wings before being selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 5 in 1966. Lousma served as pilot on Skylab 3 in 1973, spending 59 days in space conducting scientific experiments. He later commanded Space Shuttle mission STS-9 in 1983, contributing to Spacelab research and physics experimentation. After retiring from NASA and the military, he ran for the U.S. Senate from Michigan in 1994. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his dedication to exploration, research, and public service.

Sonny M'Pokomandji was born in 1948 in the Central African Republic and stood out early for his athletic talent. He played professional basketball for several clubs in Africa and Europe, becoming one of the country's pioneering exports in the sport. Following his athletic career, M'Pokomandji entered politics, leveraging his public profile to win local elections. He was appointed Minister of Equipment and Transport, overseeing infrastructure development and public works. His unique journey from sports to government has made him a prominent figure in Central African national life, illustrating a commitment to both athletic and civic leadership.

Bart Stupak was born in 1952 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and moved to Michigan as a teenager. He served as an officer in the Dickinson County Sheriff's Department before entering politics. In 1992, Stupak was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented Michigan's 1st Congressional District from 1993 to 2011. He was known for his work on health care reform, notably co-authoring the Stupak–Pitts Amendment to the Affordable Care Act. Stupak also championed veterans' issues, environmental conservation, and economic development in his region. After leaving Congress, he joined the private sector and continued to advocate for community initiatives.

Bob Speller represented the Haldimand—Norfolk riding in the Canadian House of Commons from 1988 to 2004. As Minister of Agriculture under Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, he championed policies supporting sustainable farming and trade balance. Prior to his political career, he managed family-owned businesses and brought a pragmatic approach to government. After leaving federal politics, he continued to engage in agricultural consulting and community development. His dedication to rural Canada left a lasting impact on farming practices and regional economies.