February 15

Pedro Menéndez de Avilés was a seasoned naval commander who secured Spain's claims in La Florida. In 1565, he founded St. Augustine to counter French encroachment and establish a strategic Atlantic foothold. He served as the first governor of Florida, overseeing defense, colonization, and relations with indigenous peoples. His expeditions extended Spanish influence along the Gulf Coast and defended the settlement against rival powers. Known for his administrative skill and maritime leadership, he died in 1574 after a notable career. St. Augustine remains a testament to his ambitious vision for Spanish America.

Paul de Chomedey, Sieur de Maisonneuve, was commissioned by the Société Notre-Dame de Montréal to establish a colony in Canada. In 1642, he led a small group of settlers to the island of Montreal and founded the settlement of Ville-Marie. He negotiated alliances with Indigenous nations and defended the young colony against Iroquois raids. Maisonneuve governed Montreal for over a decade, laying foundations for its growth and fortifications. He returned to France in 1665, leaving behind a thriving settlement that evolved into modern Montreal. His leadership and vision are commemorated in the city's history and place names.

Ernest Shackleton was born in Kilkea, Ireland in 1874. He developed a passion for exploration and joined expeditions to Antarctica in the early 20th century. As leader of the 1914-1917 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition on the ship Endurance, he displayed extraordinary leadership after the vessel became trapped and crushed by ice. Despite immense hardships, he organized the crew's survival and led an open-boat journey to seek rescue. Shackleton's resolve and commitment to his men made him a legendary figure in the history of polar exploration.

Roger B. Chaffee was an American naval lieutenant and NASA astronaut selected in the third group of astronauts in 1963. He logged extensive training missions but never flew in space due to his untimely death. Chaffee died alongside Ed White and Gus Grissom during a pre-launch test for Apollo 1 in 1967. As an engineer, he contributed to spacecraft design and mission planning during the early space program. Chaffee's legacy endures through scholarships, memorials, and his role in advancing human space exploration.