patriotism

1678Which 17th century heroine is known as the "Canadian Joan of Arc"?

Marie-Madeleine Jarret de Verchères, born in 1678 near Montréal, is celebrated as the "Canadian Joan of Arc" for her remarkable courage during a surprise Iroquois attack on her family’s fort in October 1692. Only fourteen years old at the time, Madeleine’s quick thinking and leadership saved the settlers by convincing the attackers that the fort was heavily defended, holding out for eight days until reinforcements arrived. Her heroism has been immortalized in a statue unveiled in Verchères in 1913, Canada’s second monument dedicated to a woman heroine. Today, her legacy continues to inspire, with her storied defense commemorated as a turning point in Canadian history and national identity.

1870Which 19th century historical monument in France is the symbol of freedom and heroic resistance and took more than 130 years to have it officially inaugurated?

The Lion of Belfort stands as a colossal symbol of freedom and heroic resistance in Belfort, France, overlooking the town since its completion in 1880. Sculpted from pink Vosges sandstone by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, this monumental lion commemorates the 103-day siege endured by Colonel Pierre Denfert-Rochereau and his troops during the Franco-Prussian War. Remarkably, although beloved as a national icon for generations, the monument was not officially inaugurated until 2011—131 years after its unveiling. Today, the Lion continues to inspire patriotism and pride, marking key anniversaries, including the 155th year since the siege began and 145 years since its presentation.