March 31

Titus Pomponius Atticus was a wealthy Roman equestrian and close friend of the orator Cicero. He spent much of his life in Athens, where he cultivated a reputation as a learned patron of literature. Atticus managed his family's banking business and became one of Rome's most influential bankers. His letters provide valuable insights into the political and social life of the late Republic. Although he never held public office, his connections and financial acumen made him a key figure in Roman politics.

Anne Hyde was the eldest daughter of Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon, a powerful statesman during the Restoration. Her marriage to James, Duke of York in 1660 elevated her status at court despite her non-royal birth. Anne became a trusted companion to Queen Catherine of Braganza and was known for her intelligence and wit. She bore eight children, including Mary II and Anne, both of whom would become queens of England. Her relationship with James was marked by affection and loyalty, even as political tensions rose. Anne's early death from breast cancer at age 33 profoundly affected her family and the royal household. Her legacy lived on through her royal descendants and their impact on British history.

Robert Natus was born in 1890 in Estonia and became a leading architect in the country. He designed a variety of public and private buildings during the formative years of Estonian independence. Known for his modernist approach, Natus blended functional design with local architectural traditions. His works contributed to the urban development of cities such as Tallinn and Pärnu. He remained active in architecture until his death in 1950, leaving a lasting architectural legacy.

Born in 1926, Bill Keightley became the University of Kentucky's equipment manager in 1962, a role he held for over four decades. He oversaw uniforms, gear, and logistics for the Wildcats, becoming a beloved figure among players and fans. Keightley's dedication and presence at practices and games made him an enduring symbol of Kentucky basketball. In honor of his service, the team retired a jersey number and dedicated facilities in his name. His commitment to the program helped foster a sense of tradition and community. He passed away on March 31, 2008, remembered as one of college basketball's most cherished support staff members.

Born in 1911 in Punjab, British India, Choor Singh moved to Singapore where he pursued a distinguished legal career. He was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Singapore in 1966, serving on the bench for nearly two decades. Singh contributed to the development of Singaporean law through landmark judgments and legal writings. Known for his fairness and integrity, he played a key role in shaping the young nation's judiciary. After retiring in 1983, he continued to influence the legal community through lectures and mentorship. He passed away on March 31, 2009, leaving a legacy of judicial excellence in Singapore.

Born in 1922 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jerald terHorst built his career as a reporter for the Detroit Free Press. He was appointed White House Press Secretary in 1974 but resigned after just a month to protest President Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon. TerHorst's principled stand earned respect in journalism and politics, highlighting issues of accountability. After leaving the White House, he returned to journalism and held editorial positions, influencing media coverage of national affairs. Throughout his career, he championed press freedom and ethical reporting standards. He passed away on March 31, 2010, remembered for his integrity and contributions to American journalism.

Gilbert Baker (1951–2017) was an American artist, gay rights activist, and drag queen who created the iconic rainbow flag in 1978. First displayed at San Francisco Pride, the flag became a universal symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and diversity. Baker’s background in silk-screen design and performance art informed the vibrant colors and design of the flag. Throughout his life, he advocated for gay rights, participating in marches and political campaigns. His legacy endures globally through the continued use of his flag and its impact on LGBTQ+ visibility.

Nick Newton was an American inventor and track and field enthusiast best known for creating the Newton Starting Blocks used by sprinters worldwide. He patented his adjustable block system in the 1970s, offering athletes enhanced stability and power during race starts. His innovation was adopted by major athletics organizations, including the IAAF and Olympic committees. Through collaborations with elite coaches and athletes, Newton continuously refined his design to meet competitive needs. His lasting legacy endures at every level of competitive sprinting, where his blocks remain a standard piece of equipment.