May 29

Born as the heir to King John II of Aragon and Blanche I of Navarre, Charles became Prince of Viana at birth. His claim to Navarre's throne led to a bitter dispute with his uncle Alfonso V of Aragon and triggered years of civil unrest. A passionate patron of Catalan culture, he supported the publication of legal codes and fostered humanist scholarship at his court. Charles enjoyed widespread popular support in Catalonia but faced imprisonment and exile during his lifetime. His untimely and mysterious death in 1461 deepened the political turbulence of the region.

Born into the royal family of Bohemia, Victor was the eldest son of King George of Poděbrady. He was appointed Duke of Münsterberg and Opava as well as Count of Glatz, overseeing these territories with a firm hand. Serving as regent of Bohemia during his father's absences, he navigated complex relationships between the Hussite estates and the Roman Catholic Church. Victor was instrumental in diplomatic missions aimed at preserving peace within the fragmented Holy Roman Empire. His leadership and administrative skills helped maintain stability in his domains until his death in 1500.

Born to Cosimo I de' Medici and Eleonora of Toledo, Virginia grew up amidst the grandeur of the Florentine court. Married to Cesare d'Este, Duke of Modena, she brought Medici influence to the small duchy. Virginia was known for her patronage of the arts, supporting composers and architects in Modena. Despite her high birth, she suffered episodes of mental distress that impacted her public role. She navigated complex political alliances between the Medici and Este families with diplomacy. Virginia's life reflects the challenges faced by Renaissance noblewomen in balancing personal struggles and political expectations.

Anne Marie Louise d'Orléans, the eldest daughter of Gaston, Duke of Orléans, was one of the wealthiest heiresses in Europe. Nicknamed La Grande Mademoiselle, she fiercely defended her rights and estates during the Fronde, even leading troops to protect Paris against royal forces. In recognition of her loyalty, she was granted the duchy of Montpensier by King Louis XIV. A patron of literature and the arts, she maintained a vibrant salon that attracted leading intellectuals of her time. Anne's memoirs provide a firsthand account of court intrigues and the civil wars that shook France. Her independence and resilience made her an enduring symbol of aristocratic defiance.

The eldest surviving son of Charles I, Charles II spent his early life in exile following his father's execution. Upon the collapse of the Commonwealth, he was invited back to London and crowned King of the three kingdoms in 1661. His reign, known as the Restoration, was marked by a revival of arts, theatre, and scientific inquiry, including the founding of the Royal Society. He navigated political tensions between Parliament and the crown, striving for religious moderation after the turmoil of civil war. Charles II maintained lavish royal courts and was famed for his charisma and patronage of literature and architecture. His foreign policy and secret treaties reflected the complex alliances of 17th-century Europe.

Born into the influential FitzGerald family in Ireland. He succeeded his father as the 1st Duke of Leinster in 1766. FitzGerald pursued a career as an officer in the British Army. He took his seat in the Irish House of Lords and engaged in politics. As a leading Anglo-Irish aristocrat, he managed extensive estates. He played a role in local governance and social affairs. He died in 1773 at the age of 51.

Born in colonial Virginia. He trained as a self-taught lawyer and rose to prominence in the House of Burgesses. Henry became a vocal critic of British taxation policies. His fiery speech at the Second Virginia Convention in 1775 inspired revolutionary fervor. He served as the first and sixth Governor of Virginia, shaping the new state government. Henry declined various federal appointments, advocating for states' rights. He died in 1799 at Red Hill Estate, leaving a legacy as a Founding Father.

Douglas Charles Abbott was a prominent Canadian jurist and political figure active in mid-20th century governance. As Minister of National Defence from 1940 to 1945, he oversaw Canada’s military expansion and support to Allied forces during World War II. Abbott later served as a Member of Parliament and held various cabinet positions, shaping post-war policy. After leaving politics, he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, where he contributed to significant legal decisions. His dual legacy in law and politics reflects a commitment to public service and national security.

Hubert "Oppy" Opperman was one of the leading cyclists of his era, known for his incredible stamina and record-breaking long-distance rides. He won the inaugural Tour of Gippsland and set the world 12-hour cycling record in 1933. Opperman represented Australia in three Olympic Games and dominated six-day track races in Europe and North America. After retiring from competitive cycling, he transitioned into politics as a member of the Australian House of Representatives. He later served as Minister for Shipping and Transport, advocating for improved infrastructure. Opperman's legacy endures in Australia's cycling community, where he is remembered as a pioneering sportsman and public servant.

Hartland Molson was born in Montreal in 1907 into the renowned Molson brewing family. He served as a naval captain during World War II, commanding convoy escorts in the North Atlantic. After the war, Molson took on leadership roles in the family business and became a key figure in Canadian industry. In 1955, he was appointed to the Senate of Canada, where he represented Quebec for 47 years. Molson also invested in sports, becoming part-owner of the Montreal Canadiens and contributing to the team's golden era. He championed charitable initiatives, particularly in education and healthcare. Molson's blend of military service, business acumen, and public duty made him one of Canada's most respected figures of the 20th century.

Ralph Metcalfe burst onto the international scene at the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, winning silver in the 100 meters and bronze in the 200 meters. He went on to capture gold in the 4×100-meter relay at the 1936 Berlin Games and silver in the 200 meters. Metcalfe's speed and competitive spirit made him one of the fastest men of his generation. After his athletic career, he entered politics and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois, serving from 1971 until his death in 1978. In Congress, he advocated for civil rights and urban development. Metcalfe's legacy endures in both the sports world and his contributions to public service.

Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, Kennedy served as a U.S. Congressman and Senator before his election to the presidency in 1960. His administration navigated pivotal Cold War crises, including the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis, marking a tense era of superpower rivalry. He championed civil rights and set ambitious goals for space exploration, famously pledging to land a man on the Moon. Kennedy’s eloquence and youthful persona captivated the American public and the world, earning his presidency the moniker “Camelot.” His tenure was cut short by his assassination in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. Kennedy’s legacy endures through his speeches, policy initiatives, and the ideals he inspired in generations of leaders.