March 08

Born Richard Howe in London, he entered the Royal Navy and quickly rose through the ranks thanks to his skill and bravery. Howe saw action in the Seven Years' War and the American Revolutionary War, earning acclaim at the Glorious First of June in 1794. He was created Earl Howe and appointed Treasurer of the Navy, overseeing naval finances during a critical period. Known as 'Black Dick', he balanced firm leadership with compassion toward his sailors. After serving as First Lord of the Admiralty, he retired from public life and died in 1799, leaving a reputation as one of Britain's finest naval commanders.

Born in The Hague, William V inherited the Stadtholdership at a young age following his father's death in 1751. He struggled to maintain authority during growing Patriot opposition and internal political strife. In 1787, Prussian intervention restored his power, but the French revolutionary forces led to his exile in 1795. William spent his remaining years in England, founding charitable institutions and supporting Dutch exiles. He died in 1806, remembered for his attempts to uphold the old Dutch order amid revolutionary change.

Born in Maytown, Pennsylvania, Simon Cameron began his career as a newspaper publisher before entering politics. He served as a U.S. Senator and built a powerful Pennsylvania political machine in the mid-19th century. Appointed Lincoln's first Secretary of War in 1861, he reorganized military supply lines during the Civil War. Criticized for patronage abuses and inefficiency, he resigned after a few months but remained an influential senator. Cameron continued to shape Republican politics until his death in 1889, known for both his ambition and controversy.

Born in Ottawa in 1896, Charlotte Whitton began her career as a newspaper editor and social activist. She was elected the 46th mayor of Ottawa in 1951, becoming the first woman to hold such office in a major Canadian city. During her tenure, she championed social welfare programs, affordable housing, and public health initiatives. Known for her sharp wit and uncompromising leadership style, Whitton was a prominent figure in mid-century Canadian politics. Her legacy paved the way for women in political leadership across Canada.

Born in 1902 in Salem, West Virginia, Jennings Randolph began his career as a newspaper editor before entering politics. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives and was elected to the Senate in 1958, holding office until 1985. Randolph was a driving force behind the 26th Amendment, granting 18-year-olds the right to vote during the Vietnam War era. He championed infrastructure projects, including the Interstate Highway System, and advocated for senior citizens’ rights. His legislative legacy reflects decades of public service and commitment to expanding democratic participation.

Born in 1907 in Proti, Macedonia, Konstantinos Karamanlis studied law at the University of Athens before entering politics. He founded the New Democracy party in 1974 and oversaw Greece’s peaceful transition from military junta to democracy. Karamanlis served as Prime Minister four times and was President from 1980 to 1985 and again from 1990 to 1995. He championed Greece’s accession to the European Economic Community in 1981, strengthening ties with Western Europe. His leadership shaped modern Greek democracy and left a lasting impact on the nation’s political landscape.

Preston Smith was born in 1912 in Corn, Texas. He built a successful business career before entering politics, serving as a state senator and lieutenant governor of Texas. In 1969, he was elected governor and focused on improving education, infrastructure, and economic development. His tenure was marked by growth and modernization in the state, though it also faced challenges such as the Sharpstown scandal. After leaving office in 1973, he returned to private business and remained active in civic affairs until his death in 2003.

Born in 1912, Meldrim Thomson Jr. built a career in publishing before transitioning into politics. Thomson was a vocal conservative, advocating low taxes, limited government, and traditional values. Elected governor in 1972, he served three terms, famously opposing daylight saving time and environmental regulations, earning both praise and controversy. After leaving office, he remained active in state politics and publishing. He died in 2001, leaving a legacy as one of New Hampshire's most outspoken governors.

Ramon Revilla Sr. became a matinee idol in Philippine cinema with his signature ‘Agimat’ action movies. He transitioned to politics, serving as a senator from 1992 to 2004 and championing rural development. Revilla’s film persona blended folklore and heroism, endearing him to audiences nationwide. He founded a production company that produced several box-office hits and launched new talents. His dual legacy in entertainment and government left a lasting impact on Filipino culture before his passing in 2020.

Douglas Hurd served in prominent positions under Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major. As Foreign Secretary, he played a key role in European integration and post-Cold War diplomacy. He was earlier Home Secretary, overseeing major reforms in law enforcement and immigration. After retiring from politics, Hurd authored several historical biographies and commentaries. His career bridged the Cold War and modern Europe, shaping Britain’s foreign policy.

Juvénal Habyarimana was a Rwandan military officer and politician who seized power in a 1973 coup. He ruled as President of Rwanda for over two decades, leading a single-party state under the MRND. His regime maintained relative stability but was criticized for ethnic repression and favoritism. On April 6, 1994, his plane was shot down, triggering the Rwandan genocide. Habyarimana's death marked a tragic turning point in Rwandan history, with profound and lasting consequences.

David Malpass is an American economist who has held senior positions in both government and international finance. He served as Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs under President George W. Bush, advising on global economic policy. In April 2019, he was elected President and CEO of the World Bank Group, overseeing a portfolio of development projects worldwide. During his tenure, he focused on poverty reduction, infrastructure financing, and responding to global crises. Malpass's leadership sparked debate over the Bank's approach to climate change and reform. Prior to his public service, he worked at Bear Stearns and as an economist at the Federal Reserve. He continues to influence economic discourse through speeches and publications.