March 07

William Longespée (d. 1226) was the illegitimate son of King Henry II and half-brother to Richard the Lionheart. Elevated to 3rd Earl of Salisbury, he served faithfully under King John and later Henry III. Longespée led royal forces against Welsh uprisings and rebel barons, demonstrating strategic skill on the battlefield. He managed estates in England and Normandy, reinforcing his family's power and influence. His marriage to Ela of Salisbury further strengthened his noble standing. William Longespée died in a campaign against Llywelyn the Great, leaving behind a legacy of loyalty and martial prowess.

Born in 1748, Cuthbert Collingwood rose through the Royal Navy ranks to become 1st Baron Collingwood. He commanded HMS Royal Sovereign and distinguished himself at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, taking command of the fleet after Nelson’s death. Collingwood was praised for his tactical skill, leadership, and courage under fire. After Trafalgar, he served as Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet, maintaining British naval dominance. His legacy endures as one of Britain’s most respected naval commanders.

Jacob K. Javits (1904-1986) was a prominent American politician and Army colonel best known for his tenure as U.S. Senator from New York. He served as New York State Attorney General from 1955 to 1957 and represented New York in the Senate from 1957 to 1981. A moderate Republican, he championed civil rights, social welfare programs, and internationalist policies. During World War II, he served as a colonel in the U.S. Army Air Forces. Javits played a key role in landmark legislation, including the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. His pragmatic approach and commitment to bipartisanship earned him respect across party lines. He remained active in public service until his death, leaving a legacy of progressive leadership in mid-20th-century American politics.

Born in 1920, Leonard Berney served with the Welsh Guards during World War II and was among the first officers to reach and liberate Bergen-Belsen. He witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust firsthand and organized immediate relief efforts for survivors, providing essential aid. After the war, he dedicated his life to educating others about the atrocities through testimonies and participation in memorial events. Berney's accounts have become a vital historical record of military valor and humanitarian response. His legacy endures as a testament to courage and compassion amid tragedy.