March 23

Born in 1754 in the Habsburg Empire, Vega combined military service with mathematical research. As an artillery officer, he applied his expertise to ballistics and fortification design. His 'Thesaurus Logarithmorum Completus' contained highly accurate logarithmic and trigonometric tables used across Europe. Vega also published works on algebra and numerical methods, demonstrating practical applications of mathematics. His contributions earned him recognition from scientific academies of the time. He died in 1802, and his tables remained a standard reference well into the 19th century.

Augustin Daniel Belliard (1769–1832) was a French general of division who distinguished himself during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, commanding troops at key battles across Europe. He earned acclaim for his leadership at engagements such as Hohenlinden and Marengo. After the fall of Napoleon, Belliard transitioned to diplomacy, serving as France's envoy to the United States and the Netherlands. His career bridged military command and international relations during a transformative era in European history. He retired with honors, remembered for both his battlefield command and statesmanship.

Roque González Garza was a Mexican military leader who played a significant role in the country’s revolutionary period. Rising to the rank of general, he participated in key military campaigns that shaped Mexico’s future. In 1915, he served as acting President of Mexico during a turbulent time of political transition. González Garza advocated for reforms aimed at stabilizing the nation after years of conflict. His leadership combined both military strategy and political governance. He remains remembered for his efforts to guide Mexico through one of its most challenging historical moments.

Vasily Zaytsev enlisted in the Red Army in 1937 and taught himself sniper skills. In late 1942, he was deployed to Stalingrad where he recorded over 200 confirmed kills against German forces. His success and tactics were widely publicized, boosting Soviet morale. After the battle, he served as an officer and trained new snipers, writing manuals on sharpshooting. Zaytsev received the title Hero of the Soviet Union and remained celebrated as a legendary military figure until his death in 1991.

Angelo Ingrassia was born in 1923 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941, serving as an infantry lieutenant in the European Theater. He fought in major campaigns including Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge, receiving the Silver Star for gallantry. After the war, Ingrassia earned his law degree from Fordham University and began practicing in New York City. In 1965, he was appointed to the New York Supreme Court, where he presided over a range of criminal and civil cases with a reputation for fairness and integrity. Ingrassia became known for his thoughtful rulings on civil rights and organized crime. He also lectured at local law schools and mentored young attorneys. Throughout his career, he was active in veterans' organizations and community service. Ingrassia retired in 1992 but continued to serve as a special judicial hearing officer. He died in 2013, remembered for his leadership both on the battlefield and the bench.

Born in Atlanta in 1924, Cook graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. After military service, he entered the family business and took an active role in civic affairs. Elected to the Atlanta City Council in 1963, he was a vocal supporter of civil rights and fair housing during the turbulent 1960s. Cook played a key role in the passage of local ordinances aligned with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and worked closely with both Martin Luther King Jr. and federal officials. He championed urban renewal projects and helped design Atlanta's first comprehensive city plan. In 1972, Cook founded the Atlanta Family of Funds, focusing on community development and philanthropy. He received the John Hope Young Man of the Year Award for his leadership in social justice. Even after leaving public office, Cook remained involved in education and heritage preservation efforts. He died in 2013, leaving a legacy as a reformer and civic leader.