December 25

Born in 1500 in Extremadura, Spain, Pedro de Valdivia joined Francisco Pizarro’s expedition to Peru in the 1530s, where he earned a reputation as a bold soldier and leader. In 1540 he led settlers across the Andes to found the city of Santiago de la Nueva Extremadura. As Royal Governor of Chile, he implemented colonial institutions and distributed encomiendas to support settlement. Valdivia fought numerous campaigns against Mapuche populations, both negotiating alliances and engaging in warfare. His ambition extended to exploring southern regions of Chile further down the coast. He died in 1553 during an ambush by Mapuche warriors, becoming a legendary figure in colonial history.

Born around 1567 in Brouage, France, Samuel de Champlain served as a soldier before embarking on voyages to the New World. In 1603 and 1604 he explored the Atlantic coast and mapped regions of present-day Canada and New England. In 1608 he established Quebec City, laying the foundation for New France and opening fur trade routes with indigenous nations. Champlain documented local cultures and geography in detailed journals and maps that became standard reference works. He served as governor of New France, promoting settlement, agriculture, and alliances with native peoples. Champlain’s efforts shaped early French colonial policy before his death in 1635.

Born in 1958 in Kosh-Agach, Kazakhstan, Boukreev made his name as one of the fastest high-altitude climbers. He completed ascents of Mount Everest, K2, Lhotse, and Makalu without supplemental oxygen, setting speed records on several routes. During the tragic 1996 Everest expedition, he famously rescued stranded climbers in near-darkness and severe weather. His actions were both praised for bravery and debated for mountaineering ethics, making him a central figure in Everest lore. In 1997, he published 'The Climb', offering his own perspective on that fateful expedition. Boukreev's accomplishments advanced high-altitude climbing techniques and inspired a generation of alpinists. He died in an avalanche on Annapurna later that year, leaving a legacy of daring athleticism and controversy.

Born in 1940, Strekalov graduated as an engineer before his selection for the Soviet space program in 1966. He flew on Soyuz 19 as part of the 1975 Apollo–Soyuz Test Project, marking the first international docking in space. In 1980, he commanded Soyuz 36 on a mission to the Salyut 6 space station, conducting scientific experiments in orbit. His work included pioneering research in space welding, materials processing, and crew interoperability. Strekalov's achievements strengthened Soviet-American cooperation during the Cold War era. After retiring from active flight, he mentored a new generation of cosmonauts and promoted aerospace education in Russia.