"Maid" of piety and patriotism: Joan of Arc, nicknamed "the Maid," was one of history's first modern patriot/nationalists. Her unique blend of piety and patriotism laid the foundation for a free, unified France. (History: Struggle for Freedom).

The afternoon of May 7, 1429 was typical of late spring in France's Loire Valley. The waters of the Loire River, still muddy from the spring rains, ran past newly plowed fields and the emerging foliage of hedgerows and forests. Yellowhammers, chaffinches, and other songbirds sang from the fences. But against the bucolic freshness of the scenery, the city of Orleans stood in stark contrast. The smoke of war hung thickly over the city, located on the north bank of the Loire about 80 miles south of Paris, while carrion fowl circled over the surrounding countryside. Directly across the river from the walled city, a battle had been raging for most of the day. French troops were ...