March 02

Born in 1481 into a noble Westphalian family, Franz von Sickingen became one of the most powerful imperial knights in the Holy Roman Empire. He championed the cause of knightly independence against rising territorial princes and supported early Protestant reformers like Martin Luther. In 1522–1523, he led the Knights' Revolt, laying siege to the Archbishopric of Trier before his defeat and death at the siege of Landstuhl. His actions signaled the decline of traditional chivalric power and the shifting political landscape of Germany. He died in 1523, but his revolt inspired debates on feudal rights and religious reform.

Louis-Gabriel Suchet (1770–1826) was a distinguished French military commander and Marshal of the Empire under Napoleon. He first saw action in the Revolutionary Wars and later excelled as the commander of the Army of Aragon in Spain. Suchet’s capture of Valencia in 1812 was one of Napoleon’s few major victories in the Peninsular War, and he governed the region with discipline, gaining respect from local citizens. Known for his strict code of conduct, he prevented the looting that plagued other armies and maintained high morale among his troops. After Napoleon’s fall, Suchet briefly served in the restored Bourbon army before retiring. His letters and memoirs offer valuable insights into Napoleonic strategy and leadership.

Sam Houston (1793–1863) was a pivotal figure in the history of Texas and the United States. He served in the War of 1812 before turning to politics and frontier leadership. Houston commanded the Texian Army at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, securing Texas’s independence from Mexico. Elected as the Republic of Texas’s first President, he guided the new nation through diplomatic recognition and internal governance. Houston later served as a U.S. Senator and Governor of Texas, advocating unity and statehood. A staunch Unionist, he opposed Texas’s secession in 1861. His dynamic career and compelling personal story have made him an enduring icon of American frontier history.

Carl Schurz was a German revolutionary turned American statesman, born in 1829. After participating in the 1848 revolutions in Europe, he emigrated to the United States in 1852. He fought as a Union general in the American Civil War, earning recognition at battles such as Chancellorsville. Schurz later served as a U.S. Senator from Missouri and as the 13th Secretary of the Interior under President Hayes. He championed civil service reform, environmental conservation, and Native American rights. Schurz remained an influential voice for liberal causes until his death in 1906.

Robert Means Thompson was born in 1849 and graduated from the United States Naval Academy. He served as a naval officer before transitioning to a legal career in New York. Thompson later became a successful businessman, leading companies in shipping and finance. He was active in veterans’ organizations, serving as president of the Society of the Cincinnati. Thompson also supported athletic and educational institutions, including the New York Athletic Club. His multifaceted career spanned military service, law, and commerce until his death in 1930.

Julien Félix (1869–1914) was a French military officer and early aviation pioneer. He joined the French Army and became fascinated by the potential of powered flight. In the early 20th century, Félix conducted test flights and demonstrations that advanced military aviation techniques. He was among the first pilots to explore aerial reconnaissance for combat operations. His career was cut short by his death in 1914, but his experiments contributed to the rapid development of military aviation on the eve of World War I.

Robert H. Michel was a U.S. Congressman representing Illinois from 1957 to 1995. A veteran of World War II, he served in the Navy before beginning his political career. As House Minority Leader from 1981 to 1995, he guided the Republican caucus during the Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations. Michel was known for his bipartisan approach and integrity, often reaching across the aisle to pass legislation. He became the longest-serving Republican leader in the history of the House of Representatives.

Born in Oujda in 1937, Abdelaziz Bouteflika joined the National Liberation Front during the Algerian War of Independence. He held various ministerial posts after independence, including a lengthy tenure as foreign minister. In 1999, he was elected president and oversaw the end of the Algerian Civil War through a reconciliation process. Bouteflika initiated constitutional reforms and led major infrastructure modernization projects. He won four consecutive presidential elections, becoming one of Algeria's longest-serving leaders. His later years in office were marred by health issues and mass protests demanding political change. Bouteflika resigned in 2019 amid the Hirak Movement's calls for reform. He passed away in 2021, leaving a complex legacy of peacebuilding and authoritarianism.

David Satcher was born in Anniston, Alabama, in 1941. He graduated magna cum laude from Morehouse College and earned his MD and PhD from Case Western Reserve University. Satcher served as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 1993 to 1998. In 1998, he was appointed Surgeon General, focusing on health disparities and mental health. He issued the first Surgeon General's report on oral health and strong tobacco use recommendations. After government service, he co-founded the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine. Satcher has received numerous awards for his contributions to public health and education. He remains an advocate for health equity and global disease prevention.

Hossein Dehghan is an Iranian military officer and politician who has played a key role in Iran’s defense establishment. He began his career in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, where he commanded the IRGC Air Force and held several senior posts. As Minister, Dehghan focused on modernizing Iran’s defense industry and expanding domestic military manufacturing capabilities. Known for advocating indigenous technology, he oversaw projects in missile development and drone programs. After his ministerial term, he continued to influence Iran’s security policies through advisory roles and public commentary. His blend of military experience and political acumen has made him a prominent figure in Iran’s defense establishment.