February 15

Mitromaras was a Greek insurgent and pirate who operated in the late 18th century. Though details of his early life remain obscure, he emerged as a fierce opponent of Ottoman authority in the Aegean. He led small-scale rebellions and conducted daring maritime raids along the Greek coast. His activities disrupted Ottoman shipping and inspired local resistance movements. Like many irregular leaders, he balanced acts of rebellion with piracy to fund his cause. Mitromaras's legacy lives on in regional folklore as a symbol of Greek resistance. He died in 1772, his exploits marking a turbulent chapter in the struggle for Greek autonomy.

María Elena Moyano was born in 1960 in Lima, Peru. She became a prominent community organizer in the Villa El Salvador district, co-founding the FES organization for the empowerment of women. Moyano tirelessly fought for better housing, education, and healthcare for the poor. She opposed the extremist Shining Path group, promoting nonviolent activism and social reform. Her courageous leadership and advocacy earned her national recognition and the Order of Merit. On February 15, 1992, Moyano was assassinated by Shining Path militants, becoming a martyr for her cause. Her legacy endures in Peru's social and feminist movements.

Howard K. Smith was born in 1914 in New York City. He joined CBS News during World War II, delivering live radio broadcasts from London and Berlin. Smith later became co-anchor of the CBS Evening News before moving to ABC News, where he hosted the documentary series Howard K. Smith: News and Comment. In addition to journalism, he appeared in films such as The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and All the President's Men. Smith authored several books on politics and media, reflecting on his experiences in broadcasting. His authoritative style and commitment to truthful reporting earned him numerous awards. He passed away on February 15, 2002, leaving a lasting impact on American journalism.

Ahmed Rajib Haider was a Bangladeshi blogger and secular activist best known for founding the Mukto-Mona online forum that promoted free thought and criticized religious extremism. Born in Bangladesh, he became a leading voice of the Shahbag movement, advocating for justice and secular values. His satirical writings often challenged Islamist politics and called for freedom of expression. On February 15, 2013, he was brutally murdered by extremists, sparking national protests and global condemnation. His death highlighted the dangers faced by secular bloggers in Bangladesh and inspired many to continue his struggle for open dialogue and human rights.

Arnaud de Borchgrave was a Belgian-American journalist whose career spanned more than six decades of international reporting. Born in Brussels in 1926, he began his journalism journey as a correspondent covering the early days of the Cold War. As President and Editor-in-Chief of United Press International and later as senior editor of Newsweek, he reported from major global hotspots and interviewed world leaders. His books and articles provided deep insights into geopolitical events, including insider accounts of espionage and diplomacy. De Borchgrave's work earned him acclaim for his fearless reporting style and sharp analysis. He received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Merit from the Philippines. Through teaching and writing, he influenced generations of journalists worldwide.

Stuart McLean was a beloved Canadian radio broadcaster, author, and storyteller whose warm voice and gentle humor resonated with audiences across the country. He created and hosted The Vinyl Café on CBC Radio, where his tales of everyday life and endearing characters captured the hearts of listeners for over two decades. McLean also published several collections of his stories, earning accolades for his wit and insight into Canadian culture. Before his radio success, he worked as a journalist and taught in the U.S. before returning to Canada. His commitment to public broadcasting and his gift for storytelling earned him multiple awards, including the Order of Canada. McLean faced health challenges in his later years but continued to inspire through live performances and writing. His legacy endures as one of Canada's most cherished voices.

Lee Radziwill was an American socialite, interior decorator, and public personality celebrated for her elegance and fashion sense. Born Caroline Lee Bouvier in 1933, she was the younger sister of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and moved within the highest circles of New York society. Radziwill worked as a publicist, interior designer, and television actress, collaborating with renowned architects and designers. She authored memoirs and was photographed by leading artists, cementing her status as a cultural icon of the 1960s and beyond. Married twice into European aristocracy, her life bridged the worlds of American politics and European nobility. Radziwill's timeless style and wit made her a fixture in magazines, and she remained active in the arts through curating exhibitions and philanthropic work. Her passing in 2019 marked the end of an era for a figure who embodied mid-century glamour and sophistication.