May 20

Sir William Congreve, 2nd Baronet, was an English inventor and military innovator. He studied rocketry and improved designs from Indian Mysorean rockets introduced to Europe. In 1805 he developed the Congreve rockets that were adopted by the British Army and Navy. These rockets saw action at the Battle of Leipzig, the Walcheren Campaign, and the War of 1812. His inventions influenced the future development of rocket artillery in Europe and America. As baronet, he oversaw estate affairs and promoted scientific study of propellant chemistry. His inventions even inspired the phrase the rockets red glare in the United States.

Emile Berliner (1851–1929) was a German-American inventor whose innovations laid the groundwork for the modern recording industry. After immigrating to the United States, he developed the flat disc record and the Gramophone in 1887, replacing Thomas Edison's cylinder phonograph. Berliner's design enabled mass production of records and transformed how people experienced music. He also improved microphone technology and founded the Berliner Gramophone Company. His patents and engineering expertise had a lasting impact on audio recording and playback. Berliner is remembered as a pioneer of acoustic technology.

Hendrik Offerhaus (1875–1953) represented the Netherlands in rowing at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris. After retiring from competition, he devoted himself to humanitarian work and rose to lead the Dutch Red Cross. As head of the organization, Offerhaus coordinated relief efforts during World War I and subsequent crises. He expanded medical services and organized international aid missions. His administrative acumen and commitment to volunteerism strengthened the Red Cross's presence in the Netherlands. Offerhaus's leadership set a standard for modern humanitarian assistance.

John Marshall Harlan II (1899-1971) served as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1955 to 1971. A Harvard graduate and Rhodes Scholar, he practiced law in New York before WWII service in military intelligence. On the bench, Harlan championed judicial restraint and often wrote concurring opinions balancing tradition with change. He played a key role in First Amendment and due process cases, shaping modern constitutional law. His terse writing style and meticulous legal reasoning earned him respect across the ideological spectrum. He left a legacy as a thoughtful jurist who sought to preserve the Court’s stability and integrity.

Doris Fleeson was one of the first female political reporters in Washington, D.C., gaining acclaim for her incisive coverage of New Deal politics. Born in Kansas, she started at small newspapers before writing the syndicated column 'By the Way,' which appeared nationwide. Fleeson was among the first women admitted to congressional press galleries, breaking gender barriers in journalism. She later taught and mentored aspiring reporters, advocating for journalistic integrity and political awareness. Her sharp analysis and engaging style influenced public discourse and opened doors for women in media.

Carl Mydans was a pioneering Life magazine photographer whose work captured defining moments of the 20th century, including the Dust Bowl, the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the Nuremberg trials. Born in Massachusetts, he began his career with the Farm Security Administration before becoming one of Life's earliest staff members. Mydans's powerful photographs combined artistic composition with journalistic storytelling, shaping public understanding of war and social hardship. He traveled extensively, covering conflicts in Europe and Asia, and his images remain historic records of human resilience and struggle.

Balu Mahendra was born in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka and trained in cinematography in Europe. He made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film "Kokila" and went on to direct classics such as "Moondram Pirai" and "Veedu" in Tamil cinema. Known for his naturalistic lighting and sensitive storytelling, Mahendra won multiple National Film Awards and influenced generations of filmmakers. He also worked in Malayalam and Telugu cinema, blending realism with lyrical visuals. He passed away in 2014, leaving a legacy as a master filmmaker and cinematographer.

Vladimiro Montesinos served as the head of Peru’s National Intelligence Service during President Alberto Fujimori’s administration. He wielded significant power behind the scenes, orchestrating covert operations and political strategies. Montesinos was implicated in numerous scandals involving corruption, human rights abuses, and campaign financing irregularities. His secret role earned him both loyalty and fear among military and political circles. In 2000, he fled the country but was later captured and convicted for his actions. His case remains one of the most notorious examples of intelligence overreach in modern Peruvian history.

Greg Dyke is a British media executive who served as Director-General of the BBC from 2000 to 2004. He began his career as a reporter before rising to lead major broadcasting organizations. Under his leadership, the BBC launched new programming and focused on audience engagement and diversity. After leaving the BBC, Dyke took on roles in higher education, serving as Chancellor of the University of York. He has also worked in sports administration and chaired national media bodies. A vocal advocate for public service broadcasting, Dyke continues to influence media policy in the UK.

Christie Blatchford wrote hard-hitting columns for the National Post and the Toronto Sun, covering high-profile trials and social issues with empathy and insight. Her work earned her multiple national journalism awards and a reputation as a fearless reporter. Blatchford also published books exploring personal and national tragedies, blending investigative reporting with narrative storytelling. Her voice and perspective influenced public debate in Canada for more than four decades.

Colin Sutherland, Lord Carloway, is a Scottish jurist and judge who has served as Lord President of the Court of Session and Lord Justice General since 2015. He was appointed Lord Justice Clerk in 2012 after a distinguished career at the Faculty of Advocates. Sutherland has presided over major civil and criminal appeals in Scotland's highest courts. He is known for his expertise in commercial law and human rights. Lord Carloway was educated at the University of Edinburgh and called to the Scottish Bar in 1985.

Ronald Prescott Reagan (born May 20, 1958) is an American journalist, radio host, and political commentator. He is the younger son of President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan. Initially trained as a ballet dancer, he performed with the New York City Ballet before transitioning to broadcasting. Reagan has hosted talk shows on XM Satellite Radio since 2005 and served as a contributor to NBC News and MSNBC. Known for his outspoken atheism and progressive views, he has become a prominent voice for secularism and public discourse. Beyond his media career, he participates in political activism and advocates for separation of church and state.