February 12

Born around 1535, Guildford Dudley was the youngest son of John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, and Jane Dudley. In 1553, he married Lady Jane Grey as part of his family's plan to influence the English succession. Although he held no official title beyond that of a nobleman, his marriage briefly placed him at the center of Tudor power struggles. When Edward VI died, Jane was proclaimed queen, making Guildford de facto prince consort of England and Ireland. Their reign lasted just nine days before Mary I secured support and claimed the throne. Both Guildford and Jane were imprisoned in the Tower of London and charged with high treason. On February 12, 1554, Guildford was executed at Tower Hill at the age of 18 as part of the suppression of his family's failed bid for the crown.

Born in 1563 in Edinburgh, George Heriot apprenticed as a goldsmith and quickly gained a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship. He became the official goldsmith to King James VI of Scotland, later James I of England, serving the royal court for decades. Heriot amassed considerable wealth through jewelry commissions and moneylending to courtiers and nobles. Deeply committed to charity, he made generous donations to hospitals and the poor of Edinburgh. In his will, he endowed the founding of George Heriot's Hospital, intended to educate and care for fatherless children. Although he died in 1624, the school opened in 1628 and continues to bear his name as one of Scotland's premier institutions. Heriot's legacy endures in the world of education and philanthropy, reflecting his skill and compassion.

Auguste Escoffier was born in 1846 in Villeneuve-Loubet, France, and trained as a cook under his mother. He rose to fame working at prestigious hotels such as the Savoy in London and the Ritz in Paris. Escoffier codified French cuisine in his seminal book Le Guide Culinaire, published in 1903. He introduced the brigade de cuisine system, streamlining professional kitchens worldwide. His flair for simplicity and attention to detail laid the foundations for modern culinary arts. Even after publishing several cookbooks, Escoffier continued to influence chefs around the globe until his death in 1935.

Anna Anderson emerged in the early 1920s claiming to be the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, thought to have been executed in 1918. Her assertion led to decades of legal battles, personal testimonies, and intense media attention. Supporters pointed to her aristocratic mannerisms, while skeptics cited discrepancies in her story and background. After her death, DNA tests conclusively proved she was not related to the Romanovs, ending one of the 20th century’s most enduring royal mysteries.

On February 12, 2009, Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed near Buffalo, New York, killing all 49 passengers and crew. Among the victims were Alison Des Forges, a renowned American historian and human rights activist; Beverly Eckert, a 9/11 widow turned advocate; Mat Mathews, a celebrated Dutch accordionist; Coleman Mellett, an American jazz guitarist; and Gerry Niewood, an acclaimed American saxophonist. The tragedy prompted calls for improved airline safety regulations. Their diverse contributions to scholarship, activism, and music are remembered as part of their enduring legacies.

Beverly Eckert was an American activist who dedicated her life to supporting the families of the September 11, 2001 attacks. After her husband perished on United Flight 93, she co-founded Voices of September 11th to provide assistance and solidarity to grieving families. Eckert served as vice-chair of the 9/11 Family Steering Committee, advocating for transparency and accountability in the government's investigation. She testified before congressional hearings and pushed for the creation of a truly independent 9/11 Commission. Known for her passionate and unwavering commitment, she became a prominent figure in the fight for justice and aviation safety reforms. Eckert tragically died in a plane crash in 2009, underscoring her enduring concern for airline security. Her legacy continues to inspire activists and policymakers dedicated to protecting families and improving air travel safety.