March 29

Ferdinando Fairfax, 2nd Lord Fairfax of Cameron, was born in 1584 into a distinguished noble family in Yorkshire. He emerged as a key commander for the Parliamentarian side in the early stages of the English Civil War, noted for his moderate leadership and organizational skills. Fairfax’s victories at Bradford and Tadcaster bolstered the Parliamentarian cause. After the conflict, he withdrew from public life and later took his seat in the House of Lords, advocating for reconciliation. His legacy reflects both military prowess and a commitment to political stability in tumultuous times.

Jean-de-Dieu Soult, born in 1769 in Saint-Amans-la-Bastide, rose through the military ranks during the French Revolutionary Wars. As one of Napoleon’s trusted Marshals, he commanded armies in significant campaigns, including those in Spain and Portugal. After the fall of Napoleon, Soult adapted to changing regimes and served twice as Prime Minister under Louis-Philippe. He implemented military and administrative reforms that strengthened the French state. Soult’s career spanned monarchy, revolution, and empire, reflecting his political acumen and enduring influence on 19th-century France.

Lavrentiy Beria rose from regional party roles to become head of the NKVD, Stalin's secret police, in 1938. He directed mass arrests, executions, and the expansion of the Gulag system during the Great Purge. During World War II, Beria oversaw Soviet intelligence and security operations both at home and in occupied territories. After Stalin's death in 1953, he briefly held the title of Deputy Premier, attempting to consolidate power. Arrested by rivals, he was tried and executed the same year, ending one of the most notorious careers in Soviet history.

Douglas Harkness commanded artillery units during World War II, earning respect for his leadership at Normandy and beyond. After the war, he was elected to Parliament for Calgary West in 1940, representing the Progressive Conservatives. As Minister of National Defence from 1960 to 1963, he oversaw Canada's military commitments during the Cold War. Harkness played a key role in strengthening NORAD cooperation between Canada and the United States. He retired from politics in 1971, leaving a legacy of service in both military and civilian spheres.

Hanna Reitsch was a pioneering German test pilot who set numerous aviation records. She began flying gliders as a teenager and earned her glider pilot license in 1932. Reitsch became the first woman to fly an operational helicopter and test the V-2 rocket plane. During World War II, she served as a Luftwaffe pilot, test-flying advanced aircraft prototypes. She was awarded the Iron Cross for her contributions and flew missions in Berlin's last defense in 1945. After the war, she continued flying gliders and promoting aviation until her death in 1979.

Aleksei Gubarev was a distinguished Soviet general, pilot, and cosmonaut who played a key role in early space exploration. He graduated from the Soviet Air Force Academy and served as a military pilot before being selected for the cosmonaut corps in 1965. Gubarev commanded the Soyuz 17 and Soyuz 28 missions, conducting scientific experiments and maintaining the Salyut 1 space station. His leadership and technical expertise contributed to the success of long-duration spaceflights. After retiring from active flight duty, he held senior positions within the Soviet space program. Gubarev received numerous honors, including the title Hero of the Soviet Union, for his contributions to aerospace achievements. He later documented his experiences to inspire future generations of explorers. Gubarev's career exemplified courage and dedication to advancing human presence in space.

Born in Taipei, Taiwan, and raised in Ohio, Ted W. Lieu earned degrees from Stanford University and Georgetown University Law Center. He served in the Air Force Reserve, reaching the rank of colonel while participating in operations in the Middle East. Lieu began his political career in the California State Senate before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014. Representing California's 33rd congressional district, he became known for his expertise in foreign policy, technology, and environmental issues. As a member of the House, Lieu has been an outspoken advocate for civil liberties and government accountability.