February 23

George Frederick of Nassau-Siegen (1606–1674) was a German prince and military officer who served in the Dutch Army during the Thirty Years’ War and the Eighty Years’ War. A member of the House of Nassau, he led infantry and cavalry units against Spanish and Imperial forces. Rising to the rank of Field Marshal, he was praised for his tactical skill and effective leadership on the battlefield. He also managed his family’s estates as Count of Nassau-Siegen and oversaw the reconstruction of local infrastructure. His correspondence offers valuable insights into 17th-century military strategy and noble governance. He died in 1674 after a distinguished career in service to the Dutch Republic.

Tokugawa Tsunayoshi (1646–1709) was the fifth shōgun of the Tokugawa dynasty, ruling Japan from 1680 until his death. He is remembered for his patronage of Neo-Confucianism and for enacting the Laws for the Protection of Dogs, which imposed strict penalties for harming animals. His canine laws earned him the nickname 'Dog Shōgun,' but also reflected his interest in moral governance and compassion. He supported the arts and scholarship, commissioning temples, gardens, and Confucian academies. Tsunayoshi's reign saw both cultural flourishing and financial strain due to lavish court expenditures. His policies were reversed by his successor, but his legacy remains a subject of historical fascination.

José Joaquín de Herrera (1792–1854) was a Mexican general and politician who served as President of Mexico three times. He played a key role during turbulent years, navigating conflicts such as the Pastry War, domestic uprisings, and the Mexican-American War. Herrera sought pragmatic peace terms with the United States, signing the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. His leadership emphasized moderation, fiscal responsibility, and national stability during post-independence upheaval. Before his presidencies, he fought in the War of Mexican Independence and rose through the military ranks. Herrera's tenure left a mixed legacy, balancing territorial losses with efforts to strengthen Mexico's institutions.

John Gilbert Winant served with distinction as a U.S. Army pilot during World War I before entering politics.\nHe was elected the 60th Governor of New Hampshire, advocating for progressive labor and social welfare reforms.\nDuring World War II, President Roosevelt appointed him U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, where he bolstered Anglo-American relations.\nKnown for his integrity and diplomatic skill, Winant played a key role in maintaining British morale during the Blitz.\nAfter the war, he continued to engage in public service until his untimely death in 1947.

Paul Tibbets graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and became a pilot in the Army Air Forces. He was selected to lead the 509th Composite Group tasked with carrying the atomic bomb, personally piloting the B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay on August 6, 1945, over Hiroshima. His role in one of history’s most consequential missions brought him lasting notoriety. After World War II, he continued service in the U.S. Air Force, holding strategic commands during the early Cold War. Tibbets retired as a brigadier general in 1966 and became a successful corporate executive. His career remains a subject of ethical debate and historical study due to the profound impact of his actions.

Clarence D. Lester was one of the first African American fighter pilots, trained with the famed Tuskegee Airmen. He flew P-51 Mustang fighters in World War II, achieving several aerial victories against Axis forces. After the war, he remained in the U.S. Air Force, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel before retiring in 1963. He played a key role in breaking racial barriers within the military and advocated for equal opportunities for all service members. Following his military career, Lester worked in aerospace engineering and business until his passing in 1986.

Ian Liddell-Grainger was born in 1959 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He attended Eton College before commissioning as an officer in the Grenadier Guards, serving until the late 1980s. In 2010, he was elected Member of Parliament for Bridgwater and West Somerset, representing rural and military communities. In Parliament, he has championed veterans' affairs, agricultural policy, and regional infrastructure projects. Known for his outspoken style, he has participated in select committees on defense and environmental issues. Liddell-Grainger continues to serve his constituency, focusing on local economic regeneration and support for armed service families.