July 08

Born around 1475 in Spain, Diego de Almagro was a key lieutenant of Francisco Pizarro during the conquest of the Inca Empire. He later led an expedition south of Peru, becoming one of the first Europeans to reach present-day Chile. Known for his ambition and rivalry with Pizarro, Almagro’s ventures helped expand Spanish influence in South America. His conflict with colonial authorities culminated in his execution in 1538. Almagro’s legacy endures as a symbol of early Spanish exploration and conquest in the New World.

Prince Adolphus Frederick, Duke of Cambridge (1774-1850), was the seventh son of King George III and a career military officer. He served with distinction in the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars and commanded forces in Europe. After the Congress of Vienna, he was appointed Viceroy of Hanover, representing the British crown from 1816 to 1837. Known for his dedication to public duty and patronage of the arts, he influenced both military and cultural affairs. He died in 1850, remembered for strengthening ties between Britain and Hanover as a loyal royal figure.

Louis Franchet d'Espèrey (1856–1942) was one of France’s most respected military commanders. A graduate of Saint-Cyr, he served in colonial campaigns before earning distinction in the Great War. As commander of the Allied Army of the Orient, he launched the Vardar Offensive, breaking enemy lines in 1918. His strategic acumen earned him promotion to Marshal of France and widespread admiration among Allied nations. After the war, he held high-profile military and diplomatic posts, influencing interwar defense policy. Franchet d'Espèrey’s memoirs and lectures continue to inform studies of battlefield leadership and coalition warfare.

Jean Moulin (1899–1943) was a French civil servant and key figure in World War II’s internal resistance. After witnessing France’s defeat, he escaped to London and joined Charles de Gaulle’s Free France movement. Sent back to occupied territory, Moulin’s mission was to consolidate various Resistance factions under one council. His leadership resulted in the formation of the Conseil National de la Résistance in 1943. Arrested by the Gestapo and tortured, he died en route to Germany, becoming a symbol of courage. Moulin’s sacrifice and vision for a free France are honored in memorials and annual commemorations.

John V. Evans was born in 1925 and served his country as a soldier before entering politics. He held local and state offices and was elected as the 27th Governor of Idaho in the late 1970s, a position he held for a decade. Known for his pragmatic leadership, he focused on economic development and education reform. His military service instilled in him a strong sense of duty and public service that defined his political career. He remained active in community affairs after leaving office, earning respect as both a public servant and veteran. He passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of dignified leadership and commitment to Idaho's citizens.