Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky, nicknamed “Iron Felix,” was the chairman of the All-Russian Extraordinary Commission for Combating Counter-Revolution and Sabotage and the head of the Soviet State Political Security Department. Later, he also served as the chairman of the All-Russian Committee for Improving Children’s Lives, rescuing many orphans. On July 20, 1926, Dzerzhinsky delivered a speech in Moscow lasting over two hours, fiercely criticizing the party opposition led by Trotsky, Zinoviev, and Kamenev. On the same day, he died of a myocardial infarction. After his death, the Soviet party and state praised him: “During the difficult years of continuous conspiracy and counter-revolutionary actions, when the Soviet land turned to ashes and the proletariat fighting for freedom was surrounded by the bloodthirsty enemies, Dzerzhinsky showed superhuman energy. He worked tirelessly day and night, devoting himself wholeheartedly to his duties. The enemies of the working class hated him but had to respect him. His tall figure, fearless spirit, sharpness, honesty, and absolute loyalty earned him the respect of the people.”
