March 21

José Bernardo de Tagle y Portocarrero inherited the title of Marquis of Torre Tagle and joined the fight for Peruvian independence from Spanish rule. As a military leader, he gained prominence at key battles before being appointed President of Peru from 1823 to 1824. His tenure was marked by political turmoil, economic challenges, and conflicts with regional caudillos. After his presidency, Tagle faced exile and financial hardship. He died in 1825, remembered for his complex role in shaping Peru’s nascent republican government.

Alexander Mozhaysky served in the Imperial Russian Navy before pursuing his passion for engineering and aviation. In the 1880s, he designed and built a monoplane powered by steam engines, making him one of the pioneers of early flight experiments. Although his machine did not achieve sustained flight, his work anticipated key aerodynamic principles. Mozhaysky’s inventive spirit contributed to Russia’s technological advancement during the late 19th century. He later held various engineering posts and influenced future aviation developments in his country.

George Owen Squier was born on March 21, 1865, in Dryville, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served in the Army Signal Corps, rising to the rank of major general. Squier pioneered the use of wired radio telephone technology and held numerous patents related to telephony and audio transmission. In 1922, he founded Wired Radio, the company that later became Muzak, supplying background music to businesses via electrical lines. His inventions transformed commercial audio and set the standard for in-store music services. Squier retired from active duty in 1923 and continued his work as an inventor until his death in 1934.

Born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Patrick Lucey served as a captain in the U.S. Navy during World War II before entering politics. Elected lieutenant governor in 1964, he rose to become governor in 1971, championing education reform and environmental protection. After two terms, he played a key role in national politics as an advisor and fundraiser for President Jimmy Carter. In 1977, he was appointed Ambassador to Mexico, strengthening U.S.–Mexico relations. Lucey remained active in public service until his passing in 2014 at the age of 95.

Hans-Dietrich Genscher was a prominent German statesman who played a key role in West German and reunified Germany’s foreign policy. He served as Federal Minister of the Interior before becoming Foreign Minister and Vice-Chancellor from 1974 to 1992, making him one of the longest-serving foreign ministers in contemporary history. Genscher was instrumental in the détente policy with the Eastern Bloc and in negotiating the Helsinki Accords. He famously announced the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 from a balcony in Bonn. As a member of the Free Democratic Party, he championed liberal democracy, human rights, and European integration. Earlier in his life, he had served in the German military during World War II, experiences that shaped his commitment to peace and reconciliation. After leaving office, he continued to advise on international affairs, participating in various diplomatic initiatives. Genscher's diplomatic legacy is marked by his contributions to German reunification and the strengthening of European cooperation.

General Sir Mike Jackson held the position of Chief of the General Staff of the British Army from 2003 to 2006. He oversaw critical operations during the intervention in Sierra Leone and the Iraq War. Known for decisive leadership and candid public statements, Jackson became a prominent figure in military affairs. His career included service in Northern Ireland and Bosnia, earning him multiple honors. After retirement, he continued to comment on defense matters and mentor senior officers, shaping modern British military policy.

Prayut Chan-o-cha (born 1954) is a Thai politician and former army general who became the head of Thailand's government following a 2014 military coup. He served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army before leading the National Council for Peace and Order. Elected Prime Minister in 2019 under a military-backed constitution, he focused on national security and infrastructure development. His tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize Thailand's political landscape amid protests and calls for democratic reform. After retiring from politics, he remains a controversial figure in Thai governance and military history.

Born in Glicério in 1955, Bolsonaro graduated from the Brazilian Army’s Agulhas Negras Military Academy before embarking on a political career. He was first elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 1991, representing Rio de Janeiro for seven consecutive terms. Known for his outspoken conservative views and controversial statements, he rose to prominence as a polarizing figure in Brazilian politics. In 2018, he won the presidential election with a campaign focused on anti-corruption, public security, and economic liberalism. His presidency has been marked by significant policy shifts, including changes to environmental regulations and social programs. Bolsonaro’s tenure has drawn both fervent support and strong criticism domestically and internationally. Despite ongoing controversies, he remains a key figure in Brazil’s political landscape.

Benito T. de Leon was born on March 21, 1960 in the Philippines. He graduated from the Philippine Military Academy and was commissioned into the Philippine Army. De Leon has held various command positions, including leading infantry units in counterinsurgency operations. He has contributed to the modernization of the Army by implementing training reforms and strategic planning initiatives. His service includes joint operations with international military forces and participation in peacekeeping missions. De Leon is recognized for his commitment to professional development and military innovation.