Jan Cornelis Jacob van Speijk was a Dutch naval officer born on January 18, 1802. He is best known for his heroic actions during the Belgian Revolution in 1831, where he commanded the Dutch warship HNLMS Luctor. Van Speijk became famous for refusing to surrender his ship to Belgian forces and ultimately chose to blow it up, sacrificing himself in the process. His act of bravery made him a national hero in the Netherlands, and he is remembered for his dedication to duty and courage. Van Speijk's legacy continues to be honored, with various monuments and memorials established in his name throughout the country.