May 04

John Nevison, born in 1639, became one of the most notorious highwaymen of 17th-century England. He earned the nickname 'Swift Nick' after allegedly riding from Kent to York in a single day to avoid capture. Nevison's daring exploits and polite demeanor fascinated the public and inspired ballads and stories. He was eventually arrested and executed in 1684 at Tyburn. His legend endures as a symbol of the romanticized outlaw in English folklore. Nevison’s life blurred the lines between crime and celebrity in Restoration-era England.

Carl von Ossietzky was born in 1889 and became editor of the influential weekly Die Weltbühne, where he criticized German militarism. In 1931, he exposed clandestine rearmament efforts by the Weimar Republic, for which he was convicted of treason. After the Nazis rose to power, he was arrested and interned in concentration camps, where his health deteriorated. Despite his ill health, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1935 while still imprisoned. Ossietzky died on May 4, 1938, from tuberculosis, becoming a symbol of resistance against totalitarianism.

Frank Strahan (1886–1976) was an Australian public servant who played a significant role in the administration of federal government departments. Across his career, he held senior roles that shaped public policy and the delivery of services at both national and state levels. Known for his dedication and organisational expertise, Strahan contributed to the modernization of Australia's public service. His work during the mid-20th century helped streamline government operations in a period of growth and change. Strahan's commitment to efficient governance left a lasting impact on the structures he served.

David Reimer was born male in 1965 but lost his penis in a botched circumcision at eight months old. Psychologist John Money reassigned him female and raised him as Brenda to study gender acquisition. Reimer's later struggle to identify with his reassigned gender challenged prevailing theories of gender neutrality. His story, publicized in 'The Boy Who Was Raised as a Girl', influenced medical ethics and gender research. He reverted to living as a man but faced lifelong psychological trauma and died by suicide in 2004.

David Hackworth served with distinction in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, receiving numerous decorations. He rose to the rank of colonel and became one of the most decorated soldiers in U.S. military history. After retiring, Hackworth founded the military newspaper 'YARO', advocating for soldiers' welfare and reform. He authored books such as 'About Face' and became a prominent critic of U.S. defense policies. His outspoken stance on military accountability left a lasting influence on defense journalism and veterans' rights.

Born in Shanghai in 1935 and raised in California. He began his broadcasting career in the 1960s, becoming a prominent news anchor in Los Angeles. He hosted entertainment programs and interviewed celebrities such as John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. He acted in films like 'Rush Hour 2' and 'The Terminator', often portraying news reporters. He advocated for Asian-American representation in media and received multiple awards for his work. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer.

Greg Zanis (1950–2020) was an American carpenter turned activist who gained national recognition for building and placing tens of thousands of wooden crosses as memorials for victims of mass shootings. After the 2012 Sandy Hook tragedy, he committed himself to honoring those lost by personally delivering and erecting crosses at shooting sites. Zanis traveled extensively in a specially outfitted vehicle, bringing both physical markers and emotional support to grieving communities. His work drew media attention and sparked conversations about gun violence and remembrance. Zanis's legacy endures through his simple yet powerful act of compassion and solidarity.