February 08

Born in 882, Muhammad ibn Tughj al-Ikhshid rose through the Abbasid military ranks. He was appointed governor of Egypt in 935 and established the Ikhshidid dynasty. Al-Ikhshid skillfully balanced local interests and Abbasid authority to maintain relative stability. He fortified Egypt’s defenses and developed administrative reforms still noted by historians. His rule laid the groundwork for an independent Egyptian tradition after the Abbasid decline. Al-Ikhshid’s legacy endured until the Fatimid conquest in the late 10th century.

Born in 1552 to a Protestant family, Agrippa d’Aubigné fought in the French Wars of Religion. He served as a lieutenant under Henry of Navarre, later Henry IV of France. D’Aubigné’s major work, 'Les Tragiques', is a poetic indictment of Catholic persecution. He also wrote memoirs and letters providing firsthand insights into the Wars of Religion. His writings influenced later French literature and the development of epic poetry. He died in 1630, remembered as a critical voice against religious intolerance.

Grand Duke Michael Pavlovich of Russia was born in 1798 as the youngest son of Tsar Paul I. He pursued a military career and distinguished himself in the campaign against Napoleon, earning recognition for his leadership in the Battle of Paris in 1814. Michael was instrumental in commanding the Life Guards and later served as Inspector General of the infantry. He commissioned the construction of the Mikhailovsky Castle in St. Petersburg, reflecting his interest in architecture. Though he never ruled, his patronage of military reforms and cultural institutions left a mark on imperial Russia. He died in 1849, remembered for his dedication to service and the arts.

Born on February 8, 1817, in Georgetown, Kentucky. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1840 and served with distinction in the Mexican–American War. During the Civil War he led a division at Chancellorsville and succeeded Stonewall Jackson as commander of the Second Corps. Ewell played key roles at the Battles of Gettysburg and Chattanooga, earning a reputation for his bold tactics. After the war, he returned to Virginia, working as a farmer and civil engineer. He died on January 25, 1872, remembered for his leadership and loyalty to the Confederate cause.

Born on February 8, 1820, in Lancaster, Ohio. Sherman graduated from West Point in 1840 and served in the Mexican–American War. As a major general in the Civil War, he led the successful Savannah Campaign, famously conducting his 'March to the Sea.' His tactics of targeting infrastructure aimed to break the Confederacy's will to fight. After the war, he served as Commanding General of the United States Army from 1869 to 1883. Sherman's writings, including Memoirs of General W.T. Sherman, remain key Civil War accounts. He died on February 14, 1891, and remains a controversial figure for his harsh wartime strategy.

Franz Marc was a founder of the German Expressionist group Der Blaue Reiter. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, developing a unique style featuring bold colors. Marc's paintings often depicted animals as spiritual beings and symbols of innocence. He volunteered for the German army during World War I and was killed in combat in 1916. His work has had a lasting impact on modern art and continues to be celebrated worldwide.

Thomas Etholen Selfridge was an American army lieutenant and early aviation pioneer. He became the first military officer to die in a powered airplane crash during a demonstration flight with Orville Wright in 1908. Selfridge had served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, focusing on the potential of aircraft for military use. His tragic death highlighted the risks of early flight and spurred advancements in aviation safety. He is commemorated at Arlington National Cemetery and in military aviation history.

Barney Danson was born in Toronto in 1921 and joined the Canadian Army during World War II. He served with distinction in Italy and northwest Europe, rising to the rank of colonel. After the war, Danson practiced law and became active in veteran affairs. He was elected to the Canadian Parliament in 1968 as a Liberal MP for York North. Danson served as Minister of National Defence from 1976 to 1979, overseeing the Canadian Armed Forces during a period of modernization. He later established the Canadian War Museum and advocated for the preservation of military history. Barney Danson died in 2011, remembered for his dedication to both military service and public life.