April 06

Born in 1664, Arvid Horn rose to prominence as a military leader before transitioning to politics. As President of the Privy Council Chancellery from 1710 to 1738, he guided Sweden through the aftermath of the Great Northern War, championing parliamentary governance over royal authority. His tenure saw the expansion of civil liberties and a temporary alliance with Russia. Horn also administered Västerbotten County, overseeing defense and civil affairs. Known for pragmatism and diplomacy, he left a lasting legacy in Sweden's constitutional development.

Born in Morosaglia, Corsica, Pasquale Paoli became a key figure in the island's resistance. He helped draft the 1755 Corsican constitution, one of the era's most democratic charters. Elected general-governor, he established schools, a university, and reforms that modernized Corsica. After the French conquest, he led an exile government and continued campaigning for Corsican rights from Britain. Known as the Father of the Corsican Nation, his ideas influenced later republican movements. Paoli's legacy endures in Corsica's political and cultural identity.

Virginia Hall overcame a leg amputation to become one of the most effective spies for the British SOE and the American OSS. Operating from Lyon, she organized sabotage missions, coordinated air drops, and smuggled agents across enemy lines. Her cunning network, known as the 'Hall network,' provided critical intelligence that aided the liberation of France. Despite being nicknamed 'the most dangerous spy' by the Gestapo, she evaded capture thanks to her resourcefulness. Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, she set a precedent for women in modern intelligence services.

Alfredo Ovando Candía was born in La Paz and pursued a distinguished military career, rising to the rank of general. In 1964, he led a coup and became co-head of a military junta. From 1965 to 1966 and again in 1969–1970, he served as President of Bolivia. Ovando implemented nationalist policies, including the nationalization of oil and other natural resources. His tenure saw significant social reforms and tensions with conservative elites. After leaving office, he remained influential in Bolivian politics, shaping the country's modern political landscape.

Paolo Nespoli began his career as an Italian Army engineer before being selected by the European Space Agency. He first traveled to space in 2007 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS-120 mission. Nespoli returned to space in 2010 and again in 2017, spending over 300 days in orbit cumulatively. During his missions, he conducted scientific experiments, spacewalks, and collaborated on International Space Station operations. He has received numerous honors, including the NASA Space Flight Medal and Italian civilian awards. Beyond his astronaut work, Nespoli inspires through public lectures and educational outreach on space exploration.