May 03

Born in 1764 into the French royal family, Princess Élisabeth of France was the youngest sibling of King Louis XVI. Known for her close relationship with her brother and her charitable work among the people of Versailles, she earned respect for her kindness and integrity. During the French Revolution, she chose to remain in Paris with her family amid mounting danger. Élisabeth served as a confidante to the royal family and sought to protect her relatives from revolutionary violence. In 1794, she was arrested and executed by guillotine, becoming a symbol of royal martyrdom. Her courage and devotion in the face of upheaval have been remembered as emblematic of the doomed Ancien Régime.

Princess Helena Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein was a devoted member of the British royal family and granddaughter of Queen Victoria. She engaged in extensive philanthropic efforts, supporting hospitals, youth organizations, and wartime relief during World War I. Born at Balmoral, she and her sister were affectionately known as “The Princesses.” Helena Victoria maintained a public role through letters, tours, and patronages for over six decades. Her dedication to service left a lasting impact on charitable traditions within the monarchy.

Emmett Dalton was the last surviving member of the infamous Dalton Gang, known for robbing banks and trains in the American Old West. During the 1892 Coffeyville raid, he withstood 23 gunshot wounds and survived, an extraordinary feat at the time. After serving 14 years in prison, Dalton penned a memoir recounting his outlaw years and ventured into acting and writing. His transformation from outlaw to storyteller captured the public’s imagination and provided a unique perspective on frontier life.

Anna Roosevelt Halsted was a prominent journalist and editor, known for her insightful reporting and leadership in women's publications. Born in 1906 at the White House, she served as her father's political hostess and personal aide before forging a career in journalism. Halsted edited The Washington Times-Herald's women's pages and later held senior editorial roles at Newsday, where she championed social issues. She authored several books, including profiles of influential figures and analyses of postwar America. Halsted also worked in public relations during World War II and was active in civic organizations. Her blend of political insight and journalistic integrity earned her respect in both media and Washington circles.

Omar Abdel-Rahman, known as the 'Blind Sheikh', was an Egyptian Islamist cleric who became associated with militant groups. After moving to the United States, he was linked to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and other plots. In 1995, he was convicted on conspiracy charges and sentenced to life in prison. Abdel-Rahman's radical sermons and writings inspired extremist movements across the globe. His trial highlighted issues of terrorism and religious extremism in the US justice system. He died in prison in 2017.

Greg Gumbel was born in 1946 in New Orleans and began his broadcasting career in 1973. He became the first African American to host a national network sports program with NBC's NFL Live. Gumbel has anchored studio coverage for CBS Sports, including the NFL, NBA, and MLB, and called the NCAA basketball tournament. He served as the lead play-by-play voice for CBS' NCAA tournament and Monday Night Football on ABC. Alongside his brother Bryant Gumbel, he helped break racial barriers in sports media during the 1980s and 1990s. Over his career, he has received multiple awards for excellence in broadcasting and remains a respected voice in sports television.

Willie Geist is an American journalist born in 1975. He began his career as a political analyst before joining NBC News in 2007. Geist co-hosts the Sunday morning program Sunday Today and is also a regular contributor to Morning Joe on MSNBC. Known for his engaging interview style and wit, he has covered major news events and conducted interviews with world leaders and celebrities. He has also narrated documentary specials and won awards for his journalistic work.