April 25

Princess Mary (1776–1857) was the fourth daughter of King George III of the United Kingdom and Queen Charlotte. Famous for her devotion to family, she married her cousin, Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh. Their marriage was said to be happy, and they had no children. Mary was respected for her charitable work in support of the poor and her interest in the arts. She resided at Gloucester House in London, where she hosted intellectual and social gatherings. Known for her gentle character, Mary remained a beloved figure in royal circles throughout her life.

Princess Alice of the United Kingdom (1843–1878) was the third child and second daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Deeply compassionate, she devoted herself to improving healthcare and welfare, supporting hospitals and orphanages in the United Kingdom and Hesse. After marrying Louis IV, Grand Duke of Hesse, she brought Victorian reforms to the Hessian court and founded nursing organizations. Alice faced personal tragedy with the death of her children from diphtheria, which inspired her later charitable focus. She was admired for her kindness, intellect, and dedication to public service. Her early death at age 35 moved her mother, Queen Victoria, who regarded her as her favorite child.

Kojo Tovalou Houénou was born in 1887 in Abomey, Dahomey, into a royal lineage and later pursued legal studies in Paris. As one of the few African law graduates in France, he used his position to critique colonial policies and advocate for the rights of West African subjects. He founded student associations in Paris that campaigned for political representation and cultural recognition of African peoples. Houénou authored essays and poems that highlighted injustices under French administration, leading to his deportation to Dahomey. Despite repression, he continued to write and mobilize local leaders for greater autonomy until his death in 1936. He is remembered as a pioneering voice in early Pan-African movements.

Joel Brand was born in 1906 in Budapest, Hungary. As a member of the Budapest Aid and Rescue Committee, he negotiated with Adolf Eichmann in 1944 in what became known as the 'Blood for Goods' proposal. He sought to exchange Jewish lives for trucks and goods to facilitate rescue efforts. His mission was controversially halted by British authorities in Istanbul, limiting its impact. After World War II, Brand testified at the Nuremberg trials about Nazi atrocities. He wrote memoirs reflecting on his experiences and advocated for Holocaust remembrance. Joel Brand later emigrated to Israel and settled in London. He died in 1964, leaving behind a legacy of moral courage and complex diplomatic history.

Edward R. Murrow was born in 1908 in Guilford County, North Carolina. He gained fame as a CBS radio commentator during World War II, reporting live from London during the Blitz. His calm and authoritative voice brought the realities of war into American homes. After the war, he transitioned to television, hosting the influential series 'See It Now.' In 1954, Murrow famously challenged Senator Joseph McCarthy's tactics, contributing to the decline of McCarthyism. He later hosted 'Person to Person' and continued investigative journalism. Known for his integrity, he set high standards for the broadcast news industry. Murrow received the Peabody Award and a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal. He died in 1965, leaving a profound impact on journalism.

Born in 1925, Sammy Drechsel co-founded the Münchner Lach- und Schießgesellschaft, a pioneering political cabaret group in Munich. He wrote and performed satirical sketches that critiqued social and political issues in postwar Germany. Drechsel also contributed as a journalist to major newspapers and magazines, providing cultural commentary and interviews. His dynamic performances and editorial work made him a prominent figure in German media. Through his blend of humor and insight, he influenced both the cabaret tradition and public discourse. Drechsel’s legacy endures in the enduring popularity of German political satire.

Born in 1939, Michael Llewellyn-Smith studied at Oxford University, focusing on European and Mediterranean history. He held academic posts at the University of Glasgow and other institutions, publishing several works on modern Greece. In the 1990s, he served as the British Ambassador to Greece, strengthening UK-Greek relations. Llewellyn-Smith’s scholarship is noted for its depth and accessible writing style. After his diplomatic service, he returned to academia, lecturing and advising on European affairs. He has been honored for his contributions to cultural and educational exchange. Llewellyn-Smith remains active in historical research and public speaking.

Born in 1939, Veronica Sutherland entered the UK Foreign Service, holding posts in Europe and Africa. In 1988 she was appointed British Ambassador to the Netherlands, where she led bilateral diplomatic initiatives. Sutherland later transitioned to academia, serving as Professor of International Law at University College London. She authored key texts on conflict resolution and European legal frameworks. Her career bridged practical diplomacy and legal scholarship, earning respect in both fields. Sutherland received honors from the British Crown for her distinguished service. She remains a respected voice on international law and diplomacy.

Born in Belfast in 1950, Donnell Deeny studied law at Queen's University Belfast before being called to the Bar. He built a distinguished career as a barrister, specializing in commercial and civil litigation. In the early 1990s he was appointed Queen's Counsel in recognition of his expertise and advocacy. In 2006, Deeny became a judge of the High Court of Northern Ireland, presiding over significant cases. He has also lectured on jurisprudence and contributed to legal education through academic roles. Throughout his career, he has been praised for his integrity, fairness, and commitment to the rule of law.

Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, Joe Buck is the son of Hall of Fame broadcaster Jack Buck. He became the youngest man to call a World Series at age 27 during the 1993 championship. Buck has been the lead announcer for Fox's NFL and MLB coverage for over two decades, becoming a familiar voice in American sports. He has won multiple Sports Emmy Awards and is known for his smooth, authoritative commentary style. In addition to live broadcasts, Buck has lent his voice to video games and hosted sports documentaries.

Born in San Diego, California, Darren Woodson played college football at Arizona State University. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft, he became a cornerstone of their defense. Woodson earned three Super Bowl titles (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX) and was selected to five Pro Bowls. Known for his versatility in both pass coverage and run defense, he tallied over 30 career interceptions. After retiring, Woodson transitioned to broadcasting, providing analysis for ESPN and the NFL Network.