March 14

José Núñez de Cáceres was a key figure in the Dominican struggle for independence from Spanish rule. Born in Santo Domingo, he became a lawyer, journalist, and active political thinker. In November 1821, he declared independence as President of the Republic of Spanish Haiti. His government was short-lived, but his actions set the stage for future autonomy. An accomplished writer, he published political essays and poetry advocating freedom. After exile, he continued his literary and political work until his death in 1846.

Victor Emmanuel II became King of Sardinia in 1849 and championed Italian unification. He allied with statesman Count Cavour and supported wars against Austria to expand his kingdom. In 1861, he was proclaimed King of Italy, marking the culmination of the Risorgimento. His reign saw the annexation of Venetia and the Papal States, and the modernization of Italy. Known as the "Father of the Fatherland," he fostered national identity and infrastructure. He remained monarch until his death in 1878, leaving a legacy of Italian unity.

Born Vittorio Emanuele Ferdinando Maria, Umberto succeeded his father Victor Emmanuel II in 1878 and sought to modernize Italy's economy. He supported military ventures and annexed territories in East Africa, reflecting his imperial ambitions. Umberto backed the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary, aligning Italy within European power dynamics. Domestically, his policies favored industrialists and the military, leading to economic growth but also social tension and labor strikes. He survived assassination attempts before being fatally shot in Geneva in 1900, an event that exposed the era's political volatility. His reign left a complex legacy of nation-building and the challenges of a young unified Italy.

Thomas R. Marshall was an American statesman and lawyer who served as Vice President under President Woodrow Wilson. Born in Indiana, he gained a reputation as a skilled orator and defender of civil liberties. During his tenure from 1913 to 1921, Marshall witnessed major events including World War I and the passage of women’s suffrage. He famously quipped, “What this country needs is a good five-cent cigar,” embodying his witty public persona. Although often overshadowed by the president, Marshall was influential in legislative matters and progressive reforms. After leaving office, he continued to advocate for legal and social issues in public life.

Vladimir 'Koča' Popović emerged as a key military commander in the Yugoslav Partisan resistance, leading the First Proletarian Division in decisive battles against Axis forces. Born in 1908, he joined the Communist movement and quickly rose through the ranks due to his leadership on the battlefield. After the war, Popović held high political office, including serving as Yugoslavia’s foreign minister and ambassador to the United Nations. He played a significant role in shaping postwar Yugoslav foreign policy and advocated for non-alignment. Known for his strategic acumen and diplomatic skills, Popović bridged military and political spheres in Tito’s government. His career reflects the complex interplay of ideology and warfare in mid-20th-century Europe.

Born in 1912, W. Graham Claytor Jr. served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II before building a career in law and politics. After the war, he practiced law and later was appointed the 15th United States Secretary of the Navy, overseeing naval modernization and personnel policies during the early Cold War. Revered for his integrity and leadership, he championed the well-being of service members and streamlined naval operations. His tenure marked a period of transformation for the Navy as it adapted to new global security challenges. Claytor’s dedication to public service resonated across government and military circles.

Born in 1912, W. Willard Wirtz practiced law before launching a long career in public service. Appointed by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, he served two terms as Secretary of Labor under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. Wirtz advanced policies on job training, labor-management relations, and workplace safety during a period of economic growth and social change. He navigated complex issues such as civil rights and vocational education, advocating for expanded opportunities for disadvantaged workers. After leaving office, Wirtz returned to academia and continued to write on labor law and public policy. His tenure left a legacy of progressive labor reforms and expanded federal engagement in the workforce.

Born in Uralsk in 1932, Naina Yeltsina studied engineering before marrying Boris Yeltsin in 1956. As First Lady, she maintained a low profile, focusing on family and charitable causes rather than politics. She supported several children's and healthcare organizations during her husband's presidency. Naina is known for her discretion and dedication to social welfare projects, often hosting events for veterans and orphans. Since leaving the Kremlin, she has stayed out of the public spotlight, preserving her reputation for modesty and devotion to her family.

William J. Jefferson is an American lawyer and politician born in 1947. He represented Louisiana's 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991 to 2009. As chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy, he was a vocal advocate for expanding broadband access and bridging the digital divide. In 2007, he was indicted on charges of bribery, making national headlines as the first sitting congressman in five decades to be charged with a felony. His 2009 conviction led to campaign finance and public corruption reforms in Congress. Despite his fall from grace, his legislative efforts on technology and ethics continue to influence policy debates.

Tom Coburn was an American physician and politician born in 1948 who served as a U.S. Senator from Oklahoma from 2005 to 2015. Prior to the Senate, he represented Oklahoma’s 2nd district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Known as “Dr. No,” he frequently opposed government spending bills and advocated for small government. A practicing obstetrician by training, he brought his medical background into health policy debates. Coburn authored the No Budget, No Pay Act and championed transparency in federal spending. His moral conservatism and willingness to clash with party leadership made him a polarizing figure. He returned to medicine after leaving office, continuing to speak on fiscal responsibility until his death in 2020.

Albert II is the reigning Prince of Monaco, ascending the throne in 2005 after the death of his father, Prince Rainier III. He has represented Monaco on the international stage, focusing on environmental conservation and sustainable development. An accomplished athlete, he participated in the Olympic Games in bobsleigh. Prince Albert has spearheaded marine protection initiatives, including the creation of protected marine reserves. Under his leadership, Monaco continues to thrive as a center of culture, luxury, and philanthropy. He maintains close relations with global leaders and champions causes related to climate change.

Born in 1968, Magnús Árni Magnússon opened his political career with the Progressive Party. He was elected to the Althing, Iceland's parliament, representing his constituency across multiple terms. Magnússon served as Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, shaping sustainability initiatives. He has championed renewable energy projects and rural development in Iceland. As a parliamentarian, he contributed to legislation on economic affairs and industrial growth. Magnússon remains active in public service, focusing on balancing development with environmental protection.