December 05

Henry Ross was born in 1829 in Montreal and migrated to Ballarat, Australia, during the gold rush. A skilled miner and community leader, he became a driving force behind the Eureka Rebellion of 1854, advocating for miners’ rights and fair treatment under colonial rule. Ross helped design and raise the Eureka Flag, which became a symbol of defiance and democracy in Australia. On December 3, 1854, he took part in the armed standoff at the Eureka Stockade and was killed during the conflict on December 5. His leadership and sacrifice made him a martyr for the miners’ cause, leading to political reforms such as the abolition of mining licences. Ross’s legacy endures in Australian history as a champion for civil liberties and worker rights. His story continues to inspire discussions on democracy and social justice.

Born in 1869, Alexander Atabekian trained as a physician but dedicated much of his life to the anarchist movement. In the early 20th century, he founded and edited several anarchist journals in Europe, distributing translations of influential pamphlets to Russian-speaking audiences. Atabekian's publications provided a platform for debating socialist and anarchist theory under repressive regimes. Despite facing censorship and exile, he persisted in advocating for social change until his death in 1933. His work remains an example of intellectual activism in tumultuous times.

Born in Cambridge in 1885, Princess Alice married Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and lived through turbulent times across Europe. During World War II, she sheltered Jewish refugees in her Athens home and was later recognized as Righteous Among the Nations. After a period of exile and personal struggles, she founded a Christian nursing order and dedicated her life to helping the sick and disabled. She spent her later years on the Greek island of Tinos, serving the local community. Alice returned to England in 1967 and died on December 5, 1969, leaving a legacy of compassion and courage.

Born in Cranston, Rhode Island in 1918, Robert Aldrich studied journalism at the University of Southern California before entering the film industry. He directed his first feature, Big Leaguer, in 1953 and gained acclaim with thrillers like Kiss Me Deadly (1955). Aldrich's style balanced dark humor with psychological drama, culminating in cult classics such as What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) and the blockbuster The Dirty Dozen (1967). As a producer, he championed innovative projects and supported emerging talent in Hollywood. His films often explored dysfunctional characters and social taboos, influencing future generations of filmmakers. Aldrich remained active until his death on December 5, 1983, leaving a diverse and influential body of work.

Born in Texas in 1941, Speck endured a troubled youth marked by violence and petty crime. On July 13, 1966, he broke into a Chicago townhouse and brutally murdered eight nursing students. The case received massive media attention, making him one of the most infamous criminals in U.S. history. Convicted of murder, he was sentenced to death, later commuted to life imprisonment. He spent nearly three decades in prison before dying of a heart attack in 1991. His crimes sparked debates on capital punishment and prison reform.

Roone Arledge transformed sports television during his tenure as president of ABC Sports and ABC News. He pioneered innovations such as Monday Night Football, Wide World of Sports, and enhanced camera techniques that brought viewers closer to the action. Under his leadership, ABC's ratings soared and sports became a cultural phenomenon on television. Arledge's visionary production style influenced generations of broadcasters and producers. He won multiple Emmy Awards and reshaped the way live events were presented to home audiences.

Alan Armer, born in 1922, was a pioneering figure in early American television drama. As executive producer, he helped shape landmark shows such as 'Perry Mason' and 'The Fugitive', earning three Primetime Emmy Awards for his work. A veteran writer and director, Armer brought cinematic techniques to the small screen, setting new standards for storytelling. He later taught at the American Film Institute, mentoring aspiring filmmakers. His innovative vision left a lasting mark on television production.

Don Meredith rose to fame as the charismatic quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, leading the team to two NFL Championship games in the 1960s. After retiring in 1969, he joined ABC's 'Monday Night Football' broadcast team, where his folksy humor and insightful commentary made him a fan favorite. Meredith also appeared in television shows and films, showcasing his natural on-screen presence. His transition from sports hero to media personality helped pioneer the modern sports broadcasting era.

Elisabeth Murdoch was an Australian philanthropist known for her extensive charitable work. Born in 1909, she dedicated her life to supporting causes in education, health, and the arts. She established numerous scholarships and grant programs to benefit underprivileged communities. Murdoch’s contributions helped fund the development of cultural institutions across Australia. Through her foundation, she provided critical support to medical research and community organizations. Her legacy continues through the ongoing impact of the initiatives she founded.

William B. Edmondson was an American attorney and career diplomat born in 1927. He served as United States Ambassador to South Africa, navigating complex political tensions during the apartheid era. Edmondson worked to maintain diplomatic relations while advocating for human rights and policy reform. His legal expertise informed his approach to international negotiations and governance issues. After his ambassadorship, he continued to contribute to foreign service through advisory roles. He passed away in 2013, remembered for his diplomatic leadership and commitment to justice.