February 07

Born in 574 as a member of the imperial family of Japan and second son of Emperor Yomei. He served as regent for Empress Suiko and was instrumental in consolidating the Yamato court. He authored the Seventeen-Article Constitution, establishing principles of governance and ethics. He promoted the adoption of Chinese-style government structures and the use of the Chinese calendar. A fervent patron of Buddhism, he founded numerous temples including Horyu-ji, one of the world's oldest wooden structures. Revered as a cultural hero, his legacy shaped the development of Japanese statehood and religion.

Born in 1102 to King Henry I of England and later married Emperor Henry V to become Holy Roman Empress. After her father's death in 1135, she contested the English crown against her cousin Stephen, triggering a period known as The Anarchy. Her struggle lasted nearly two decades, during which she secured key territories and baronial support. Although never crowned queen, she established her son Henry II's claim to the throne, founding the Plantagenet dynasty. Her political acumen and resilience paved the way for future conceptions of female authority in medieval Europe.

Born in London in 1478, Thomas More was educated at Oxford and trained as a lawyer. He rose to prominence as a trusted advisor to Henry VIII and was appointed Lord Chancellor in 1529. In 1516 he published Utopia, a seminal work of political philosophy that envisioned an ideal society. His steadfast refusal to endorse the king's separation from the Catholic Church led to his arrest and trial for treason. Executed in 1535, More was later canonized as a saint, symbolizing integrity and conscience in public service. His writings continue to influence discussions of law, ethics, and governance.

Born in 1500 in Funchal, on the island of Madeira, into a family with maritime traditions. He entered Portuguese naval service and participated in expeditions to India and the Red Sea in his youth. In 1545 he was appointed the fourth viceroy of Portuguese India, reforming coastal defenses and administrative structures. A skilled cartographer and writer, his letters and maps provided critical information for future maritime explorers. He died in 1548 in Cochin, leaving a legacy of strategic governance and contributions to oceanic navigation.

Born in 1693 to Tsar Ivan V and Praskovia Saltykova, Anna was the niece of Peter the Great. Elected Empress in 1730, she quickly abolished constraints on monarchical power and ruled autocratically. Her reign saw the expansion of the Imperial Russian Navy and diplomatic efforts in Europe. Anna patronized Baroque architecture, commissioning grand palaces such as the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. She founded the University of Moscow and the Russian Academy of Sciences, promoting higher education. Her decade on the throne left a mixed legacy of cultural glitter and political repression.

Thomas Gregson was an English-born lawyer who emigrated to Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) in the early 19th century. He entered colonial politics and became known for his firm stance on responsible government and civil liberties. In 1857, Gregson became the second Premier of Tasmania, leading a short-lived ministry focused on administrative reform. Although his government lasted only a few weeks, he influenced debates on democratic governance in the colony. Gregson continued to serve in the Legislative Council until his death, remembered as a pioneering reformer in Tasmanian history.

Arnold Nordmeyer was a New Zealand minister and politician born in 1901. He represented the Invercargill electorate for the Labour Party from 1935 to 1960. As the 30th Minister of Finance (1957–1960), he introduced the 'Black Budget,' raising taxes on alcohol and cigarettes to fund social programs. The unpopular measures contributed to Labour's defeat in the 1960 election. Nordmeyer also served as Minister of Health, where he expanded access to free healthcare. After leaving Parliament, he continued to influence social policy through academic and advisory roles. His commitment to welfare and public health left a lasting imprint on New Zealand's social safety net. He died in 1989, remembered for his principled leadership and policy reforms.

Ernest E. Debs was an American politician born in 1904. He served on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from 1958 to 1974, representing the 4th District. Debs advocated for urban development balanced with environmental conservation. He played a key role in establishing Griffith Park improvements and local recreational facilities. As a supervisor, he supported public housing and infrastructure projects for growing communities. Debs Park in Los Angeles County is named in his honor for his contributions to park development. Known for his collaborative leadership, he worked across political lines to address constituents' needs. He retired in 1974 and remained active in civic affairs until his death in 2002.

Puyi (Aisin-Gioro Puyi) was enthroned as the Xuantong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty at age two. His reign ended with the Xinhai Revolution in 1912, marking the fall of imperial China. In the 1930s, he became the puppet emperor of the Japanese-controlled state of Manchukuo. After World War II, he was captured by Soviet forces and later repatriated to the People's Republic of China. He spent years in prison before being pardoned and lived his final years as a gardener. His memoirs offer a unique perspective on the last days of China's centuries-old empire.

Kairshasp Nariman Choksy was born in 1933 and established himself as a leading lawyer in Colombo before entering politics. He was elected to Parliament in 1989, representing Colombo, and became a key figure in the United National Party. From 2001 to 2004, Choksy served as Sri Lanka's Minister of Finance, overseeing fiscal reforms and liberalization measures. His tenure saw efforts to stabilize the economy and attract foreign investment during challenging post-conflict years. Choksy was honored for his integrity and commitment to public service before his passing in 2015.

Born in 1934, Eddie Fenech Adami studied law at the University of Malta before entering national politics. As leader of the Nationalist Party, he became Prime Minister in 1987, initiating widespread economic reforms and infrastructure development. Under his leadership, Malta negotiated and achieved membership in the European Union in 2004. Following his prime ministership, Fenech Adami served as the 7th President of Malta from 2004 to 2009, promoting Maltese culture and international relations. He is widely credited with modernizing Malta's economy and institutions.

Herbert 'Herb' Kohl Jr. co-founded Kohl's department stores in 1962, growing it into one of the largest retail chains in the United States. Elected as a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in 1989, he served Wisconsin for six terms until 2013, focusing on education, healthcare, and fiscal responsibility. Kohl ranked among the wealthiest members of Congress and was known for his commitment to public service and philanthropy. He purchased the Milwaukee Bucks NBA franchise in 1985 and sold it in 2014, playing a significant role in Wisconsin's sports community. His leadership in business and politics marked him as a prominent figure in both arenas.