May 30

Jacquetta of Luxembourg (1416–1472) was the daughter of Count Peter I of Luxembourg and Margaret of Baux. She first married John of Lancaster, Duke of Bedford, uncle to King Henry VI, gaining high status in the English court. After his death, she married Richard Woodville, and their daughter Elizabeth Woodville later became Queen consort of Edward IV. Jacquetta’s alliances and political connections played a key role during the Wars of the Roses. Despite the shifting fortunes of the time, she managed her estates and family with resilience and strategic acumen. Her legacy endured through the influential Woodville lineage in English history.

Albert Norden (1904–1982) was a German journalist and Communist politician who held senior positions in the East German government. He served as head of the Socialist Unity Party's International Relations Commission and was a member of the Politburo. Norden authored political essays and edited party publications, shaping the German Democratic Republic's foreign policy messaging. Despite internal party conflicts, he remained a loyal advocate of socialist ideals throughout his career. His work influenced GDR propaganda and international diplomacy. Norden's legacy is tied to the ideological debates of the Cold War era.

Manuel Buendía (1926–1984) was a Mexican journalist and political columnist known for his fearless investigative reporting. He wrote the column Red Privada for Excélsior newspaper, uncovering government corruption and connections to organized crime. Buendía's articles led to public scrutiny of high-level officials and calls for transparency in Mexican politics. He authored several books on intelligence services and political history. On May 30, 1984, he was assassinated in Mexico City, an event that shocked the nation and highlighted the dangers faced by journalists. Buendía's legacy endures as a symbol of press freedom in Mexico.

Born in 1911, William “Lofty” England was an English-Austrian engineer and longstanding figure at Jaguar Cars. He became head of Jaguar’s racing division, overseeing the development of the C-Type and D-Type race cars that secured Le Mans wins in the 1950s and early 1960s. England’s engineering insight and leadership transformed Jaguar into a motorsport powerhouse. He later served as Managing Director of Jaguar, applying his technical expertise to production models. His tenure helped establish Jaguar’s reputation for performance and design excellence. England died in 1995, remembered for his dual impact on racing success and automotive innovation.

Born in 1952, Isikia Savua rose through the ranks of Fiji's police force, eventually leading major divisions. He later served as Fiji's High Commissioner to Australia and a key diplomatic figure. Savua's work strengthened relations between Fiji and international partners. His leadership in both law enforcement and diplomacy exemplified his commitment to his country's interests. He passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of public dedication.

Born in 1970, Saleem Shahzad established himself as a courageous reporter covering sensitive topics. He investigated military and intelligence affairs, exposing hidden networks. Shahzad wrote for leading international publications, earning respect for his depth of knowledge. His work highlighted issues of regional security and human rights. His untimely death in 2011 underscored the risks faced by journalists worldwide.

Geneviève de Galard was born in 1925 in Paris and trained as a military nurse. During the First Indochina War, she volunteered to serve at the besieged garrison of Dien Bien Phu in 1954. She gained international acclaim as the 'Angel of Dien Bien Phu' for her courage and compassion while caring for wounded soldiers under constant enemy fire. After her return to France, she dedicated herself to humanitarian work, speaking about the importance of medical ethics and care in conflict zones. Her life story continues to inspire nurses and volunteers around the world, highlighting the impact of individual bravery in wartime.