July 30

Prince Alfred of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1844–1900) was the second son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and a distinguished member of the British royal family. He embarked on a naval career, rising to the rank of Admiral and undertaking diplomatic missions around the world. In 1893, he inherited the ducal throne of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, balancing his British heritage with German ducal responsibilities. Alfred was known for his patronage of the arts, support of charitable causes, and modernizing efforts within his duchy. He married Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia, reinforcing dynastic ties between European royal houses. His death in 1900 marked the end of a generation of Queen Victoria’s children and highlighted his role as a bridge between Britain and continental Europe.

Albert Gustaf Dahlman (1848–1920) served as Sweden’s official executioner from 1885 until his death and was the last person to hold the position. Born in Stockholm, he succeeded his predecessor as the state hangman and carried out executions that included capital offenses under Swedish law. His meticulous professionalism was noted in his detailed records and discreet demeanor. Dahlman performed both civilian and military executions, witnessing the decline of capital punishment in Swedish society. The final executions he conducted preceded the abolition of the death penalty for civilian crimes in 1921. After his death, the office was dissolved, marking the end of an era in Swedish criminal justice history.

Born in 1924, Anton Schwarzkopf studied mechanical engineering in Germany. In the 1950s, he founded Schwarzkopf GmbH and began designing innovative amusement rides. He introduced cutting-edge steel roller coasters featuring loops, corkscrews, and smooth ride dynamics. His landmark designs, such as the Revolution and Apollo's Chariot, set new industry standards. Parks around the world continue to operate his coasters more than half a century later. Schwarzkopf's work left an enduring legacy in theme park engineering before his death in 2001.

Akbar Mohammadi was born in 1972 and studied sociology at Tehran University. He emerged as a leader during the 1999 student protests advocating for political reform. Mohammadi was arrested multiple times on charges related to national security and sentenced to long prison terms. In prison, he endured harsh conditions and alleged torture while continuing to speak out for human rights. He died under disputed circumstances in Evin Prison on July 30, 2006, at the age of 34. Mohammadi's death drew international condemnation and highlighted the plight of political prisoners in Iran.

Born in 1918, Alexander embraced modernist principles in architecture. His notable works include the design of the State of Georgia Building, characterized by clean lines and functional aesthetics. He blended innovation with timeless elegance, contributing to the post-war American skyline. Alexander's projects spanned public and private sectors, reflecting his versatile design approach. As a leader in his field, he influenced generations of architects through mentorship. His legacy endures in the enduring structures that dot Georgia and beyond.