July 28

Margaret of Durazzo (1347–1412) was a member of the Capetian House of Anjou and became queen consort of Naples and Hungary through her marriage to Charles III of Naples. Daughter of Charles of Durazzo and Maria of Calabria, she navigated complex dynastic disputes in the Kingdom of Naples. She played a key role in court politics and patronage of the arts and religion. Her alliances strengthened Angevin claims in Italy and Hungary. Margaret survived the turbulent reigns of her husband and nephews before her death in 1412.

William (1516–1592) inherited the duchies of Jülich, Cleves, and Berg, forming one of the largest territorial states in the Holy Roman Empire. He navigated religious tensions during the Reformation and maintained relative peace amid regional conflicts. William managed alliances with neighboring powers and fostered economic development in his territories. His diplomatic skills helped avert larger wars during a turbulent era. He died in 1592, leaving a legacy of stable governance in the Lower Rhine region.

Marguerite Louise d'Orléans (1645–1721) was the eldest daughter of Gaston d'Orléans and Marguerite of Lorraine. In 1661, she married Cosimo III de’ Medici, becoming Grand Duchess of Tuscany. Known for her fiery temperament and independent spirit, she frequently clashed with the Medici court over protocol and finances. After separating from her husband, she spent much of her later life in a convent in Paris under royal supervision. Her voluminous correspondence offers insights into 17th-century court intrigues and personal conflicts.

Thomas Heyward, Jr. (1746–1809) was a prominent South Carolina planter, lawyer, and politician. He represented his state in the Continental Congress and was one of the signers of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776. Captured by British forces during the war, he was held prisoner until a prisoner exchange in 1778. After the Revolution, Heyward resumed his legal practice and served as a judge on South Carolina’s highest court. His dedication to American independence and judicial service marked his enduring legacy.

Fabre d'Églantine (1750–1794) began his career as a stage actor in Paris before gaining fame as a playwright with works like 'Les Liaisons dangereuses' adaptations. Elected to the National Convention in 1792, he played a key role in naming the months of the French Revolutionary Calendar. Initially close to the Girondins, he later joined the Montagnards but fell victim to political rivalries. Accused in the Dantonist conspiracy, he was arrested and guillotined during the Reign of Terror. His life reflects the passions and perils of revolutionary France.

Elias Milton Ammons was an American rancher, businessman, and politician born in 1860. He entered public service in the Colorado legislature, advocating for agricultural interests and infrastructure development. Elected as the 19th Governor of Colorado in 1912, Ammons oversaw progressive reforms including labor protections and road improvements. He supported the growth of statewide public education and managed crises such as floods and labor strikes. After leaving office in 1915, he returned to private business ventures in agriculture and banking. He died in 1925, remembered for his contributions to Colorado's early 20th-century development.

Born in Bordeaux, Sarraut began his career in journalism before entering politics under the French Third Republic. He held multiple ministerial roles, including Minister of the Colonies and Home Affairs, and twice served as Prime Minister in 1933 and 1936. As Governor-General of French Indochina, he implemented infrastructure and educational reforms while managing colonial affairs. Known for his moderate republican views, Sarraut sought to balance social progress with economic stability during turbulent times. He navigated political crises in the interwar period while advocating for gradual reform. After World War II, he retired from public life, leaving a legacy of domestic and colonial policies that shaped modern France.

Alberto Fujimori, a trained engineer, entered politics amid Peru's economic crisis in 1990. As president, he implemented 'Fujishock' policies that stabilized hyperinflation and modernized the economy. He also took a hardline stance against the Shining Path insurgency, restoring relative peace. In 1992, Fujimori dissolved Congress in a self-coup, sparking debates on democracy and governance. After his presidency, he faced charges for human rights abuses and corruption, leading to imprisonment. Fujimori died in 2024, leaving behind a complex and debated political legacy in Peru.

Chuan Leekpai began his political career as a Member of Parliament in 1979. He served as Thailand’s 20th Prime Minister from 1992 to 1995 and again from 1997 to 2001. Leekpai is credited with restoring stability after political turmoil and overseeing economic recovery. His tenure saw the implementation of fiscal reforms and the expansion of social welfare programs. A respected advocate for democracy, he promoted transparency and judicial independence. Leekpai remains an influential figure in Thai politics and law.

Bill Bradley is an American former professional basketball player turned politician. He won two NBA championships with the New York Knicks in the early 1970s and was named an All-Star three times. After his athletic career, he served three terms as a U.S. senator from New Jersey, focusing on education and tax reform. In 2000, Bradley ran a campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and social justice. He teaches at universities and writes on public policy, continuing his commitment to civic engagement. Bradley’s dual legacy in sports and politics makes him a unique figure in American history.

Peter John Cosgrove (born July 28, 1947) is a retired senior officer of the Australian Army and served as the 26th Governor-General of Australia. Commissioned into the Royal Australian Infantry Corps in 1967, he led troops in East Timor and was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia for his leadership. Cosgrove was appointed Chief of the Defence Force in 2002, overseeing Australian military operations until his retirement in 2005. His tenure as Governor-General saw him act as the Queen's representative, engaging in charitable work and national ceremonies. Known for his strategic acumen and dedication to service, he remains a highly respected figure in both military and public life.

Sir Tapley Seaton (July 28, 1950 - June 29, 2023) was a Kittitian lawyer, diplomat, and politician who served as the fourth Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis. He began his career in law after earning his degree from the University of the West Indies, later serving in various judicial and diplomatic roles. Appointed Governor-General in 2015, he represented the monarch as the nation's ceremonial head of state and promoted education and cultural initiatives. Seaton was knighted for his distinguished service to his country and was respected for his commitment to justice and community development. His tenure helped strengthen national unity and diplomatic relations in the Caribbean region.