July 31

Aurelia Cotta was a member of the influential Aurelii family in ancient Rome. She gave birth to and raised Gaius Julius Caesar, shaping his early years. Known for her intelligence, dignity, and strong character, she influenced her son's political ambitions. Her marriage alliances and social connections bolstered Caesar's rise in Roman society. She remained a respected figure until her death in 54 BC.

Jean Jaurès was a leading figure in the French socialist movement and a passionate advocate for workers’ rights. As the founder of the newspaper L'Humanité, he used journalism to campaign for social justice and political reform. Elected to the Chamber of Deputies, Jaurès championed universal suffrage, labor protections, and the arbitration of international disputes. A committed pacifist, he fiercely opposed the rush to war in 1914, calling on European powers to seek diplomatic solutions. His assassination on July 31, 1914, marked a tragic turning point on the eve of World War I. Jaurès’s writings and speeches inspired generations of social reformers and anti-war activists. His legacy endures through institutions and political movements that continue to uphold his vision for equity and peace.

Chiune Sugihara, born in 1900, served as vice-consul for the Japanese Empire in Lithuania during the early years of World War II. Defying direct orders from Tokyo, he worked tirelessly to issue transit visas—known as 'Sugihara visas'—allowing over 6,000 Jewish refugees to escape Nazi persecution. Sugihara spent up to 18 hours a day writing visas by hand, often in freezing conditions, as refugees waited anxiously. After his assignment, he returned to Japan and lived for decades without public recognition of his deeds. In 1985, Israel honored him as Righteous Among the Nations, acknowledging his extraordinary humanitarian actions. Sugihara's courage and moral conviction are celebrated worldwide as a powerful example of individual heroism. His story continues to inspire diplomats and humanitarians around the globe.

Friedrich Franz was born in 1910 into the House of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. As Hereditary Grand Duke, he was heir apparent to the Grand Duchy before its abolition after World War I. Though he never ascended to the throne, he maintained the traditions of his noble lineage. After the monarchy was dissolved in 1918, Friedrich Franz lived a private life away from political power. He supported charitable causes in his region and preserved the historical estates of his family. He passed away on July 31, 2001, and is remembered for his role in preserving his family's heritage.

Wilfred Feinberg was an esteemed American lawyer and federal judge appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Prior to his judicial career, he served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, prosecuting major corruption and organized crime cases. On the bench, Feinberg authored influential opinions on civil rights, antitrust law, and securities regulation. He taught law as an adjunct at various institutions and mentored generations of attorneys. Renowned for his erudition and fairness, Feinberg's legal legacy continues to shape American jurisprudence. He assumed senior status in 1989 but remained active in court business for decades.