June 04

Giacomo Casanova (1725–1798) traveled across Europe in pursuit of intrigue, romance, and knowledge. He held roles as a diplomat, librarian, and spy, mingling with the courts of Venice, Paris, and Vienna. His adventurous life inspired his famous memoir 'Histoire de ma vie,' a vivid account of 18th-century society and culture. Casanova’s sharp wit and literary flair made him a celebrated storyteller. His work remains a valuable window into Enlightenment Europe. He died in exile in Bohemia, leaving behind an enduring literary legacy.

Marc Garneau was a Canadian astronaut who became the first citizen of Canada to travel in space aboard Space Shuttle Challenger in 1984. Born in 1949, he graduated as an engineer and served as a naval officer before joining the Canadian Space Agency. After completing three shuttle missions, Garneau transitioned to politics, being elected as a Member of Parliament in 2008 and serving as Minister of Transport. He championed aerospace innovation, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability in government. Throughout his career, Garneau inspired generations with his achievements in exploration and public service. He passed away in 2025, remembered as a trailblazer for Canada in both space and politics.