How to Honor the Memory of Historical Figures with a Proper Send-Off

It would require a leap back through centuries to uncover a monarch who held the throne for an extended period longer than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. During her impressive seventy-year regency, she supported the modernization of the monarchy throughout dramatic periods of significant societal alteration, extremely noteworthy nuptials and births within the family, as well as a few scandals. To the vast majority of UK citizens, she was their only sovereign they had ever known. In September this year, her passing was seemingly one of the most witness events of the year, prompting collective expressions of despair and admiration for her consistent guidance, as well as some criticism related to the monarchy’s part in colonialism. It is likely that her influence will live on far beyond her lifetime.

Throughout , no individual had the opportunity to meet more people than any other in the entirety of history. Moreover, the image of this individual—portrayed on stamps, coins, and bank notes—was amongst the most widely replicated across the globe.

In addition, a multitude of other prominent figures passed away during the same year. This includes former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who died in August of . His endeavor to rejuvenate the Soviet Union effectively prompted the termination of communism there as well as the conclusion of the Cold War. Eventually, after an unsuccessful coup occurred, he resigned while several republics declared independence from the Soviet Union.

The esteemed list of dignitaries who passed away this year includes former Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble, former Chinese President Jiang Zemin, former Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk, former Mexico President Luis Echeverria, former Peru President Francisco Morales Bermudez, Cuban diplomat Ricardo Alarcón, former U.S. Senator Orrin G. Hatch, former Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos, American Indian Movement co-founder Clyde Bellecourt, and former U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter. The entertainment industry sadly lost the ever-influential actor Sidney Poitier, who throughout his career graced us with roles that embodied dignity and esteem, thus changing the face of movies permanently.

The passing of Sir Sidney Poitier in January marked a significant moment for cinematic history as he became the first Black actor to receive the Academy Award for Best Actor, for his role in the film “Lilies of the Field”.

In January of , a number of influential figures passed away, including: Oser Bappi Lahiri, singers-actors Olivia Newton-John and Irene Cara, “Sesame Street” actor Bob McGrath, jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis, rappers Coolio and Takeoff, singers Ronnie Spector, Judith Durham, Lata Mangeshkar, and Gal Costa, as well as actors Angela Lansbury, Leslie Jordan, Bob Saget, Tony Dow, Kirstie Alley, Nichelle Nichols, Ray Liotta, Irene Papas, Sally Kellerman, Anne Heche, Bernard Cribbins, Yvette Mimieux, and June Brown.

On January st, Sheikh Saleh bin Mohammed al-Luhaidan, aged , passed away. An influential Saudi cleric, he served for years as head of the kingdom’s Shariah courts, whilst his ultraconservative views elicited outcry. On January th, Peter Bogdanovich, aged , departed us all. The cinephile and director behind the renowned black-and-white classics “The Last Picture Show” and “Paper Moon”, who wore an ascot, fondly remembered by many. Lastly, on January th, Sidney Poitier joined them in death, aged . Mr.

Learninng Outcome

The death of so many remarkable members of the entertainment community in January of 2021 sent shockwaves throughout the world. From iconic singers and musicians to comedic actors and renowned dancers, we lost some truly talented individuals who left an indelible mark on pop culture. As new icons continue to rise, we honor and remember those we lost in January, and treasure the memories they left us with.