"Every day is different. Every day is exciting. And one of the things that drives me the most is this feeling of the overwhelming amount of stories that there are to be told at Arlington.”
New this week is our episode featuring Dr. Allison S. Finkelstein with U.S. Army National Military Cemeteries Arlington National Cemetery where we learn about the incredible scale, scope, and deep meaning of this historic American landmark.
*Undertold Stories of Women in WWI: The "Hello Girls" and "reconstruction aides"
*Unconventional Memorials: Learn about Arlington's beautiful, living memorials, including Arlington's memorial trees, part of their Level 3 Memorial Arboretum.
*America's 250th Anniversary in 2026: The cemetery's plans to highlight graves and sites connected to Anniversary.
“We have about 17,000 historical markers in Texas and every single one tells a story worth remembering.” – Charles Sadnick, Texas Historical Commission
In this week's episode we speak with Charles Sadnick and Bob Brinkman of the Texas Historical Commission.
Charles and Bob talk about preserving Texas history through their historical marker program, where each marker reveals a moment, a person, or a community that shaped the state’s identity.
In this episode:
- Learn how to submit a story idea by November 15th that may become a part of the Undertold Marker Program
- Hear about unique historical markers including a Cold War missile silo, a Korean-Texan heritage site, and historic Texas cemeteries
- Explore how the team is using mobile apps and digital archives to connect Texans with their past
"The ultimate purpose of the Casualty Identification Program is for the missing to be buried with their name, by their unit, and in the presence of their family."
This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Alexandra McKinnon, historian with the Canadian Department of Defence Casualty Identification Program. Alexandra shares how her team is using historical research, forensic anthropology, and DNA to reconnect families with lost loved ones from the First World War, WWII, Korea, and beyond.
In this episode:
- Learn how attestation papers, ancestry trees, and social media help solve century-old mysteries
- Hear how a soldier’s height and age can narrow a list of 1,300 missing names
- Discover why Hill 70 remains one of Canada’s most overlooked battlefields
"War does something to you...it affects you for the rest of your life."
This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with New York Times bestselling author and veteran Stephen Harding. Stephen shares how a year in military hospitals shaped his lifelong commitment to telling the stories of those who served and those who never came home.
His work explores the human cost of war, the complexities of remembrance, and the quiet heroism often lost to history.
In this episode:
- Learn how FBI agents in Army uniforms hunted American traitors in WWII
- Discover the story of a German officer who defied the SS and died defending French prisoners alongside American troops
- Hear why military cemeteries carry a different kind of weight and what they reveal about national memory
"We want the public sentiment to turn away from war and towards reconciliation."
This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Professor Anoma Pieris and Arthur Tsakonas from the University of Melbourne about the Yokohama War Cemetery and the exhibition they co-curated at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.
Eucalypts of Hodogaya is more than an architectural story. It’s a reflection on memory, diplomacy, and the quiet power of collaboration. Anoma and Arthur share how Australian and Japanese architects worked together in the 1940s to build a cemetery that honors the dead and invites the living to reflect.
In this episode:
- Learn how a Japanese garden design shaped a Commonwealth cemetery
- Hear the story of a POW who taught architecture in a prison camp
- Discover why reconciliation is central to the exhibition’s message
“They're ordinary people who in a moment of time on the battlefield, courage met circumstance, and they did something extraordinary.”
This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Mike Caldwell and Kevin Basik of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation. Together, they’re building a museum, a monument, and a movement to help people reconnect with the values that hold a nation together.
Mike shares how the museum’s design reflects the weight and meaning of the medal, while Kevin introduces the Griffin Institute, a leadership hub helping people face life’s battles with courage, character, and clarity.
In this episode:
- Hear how the Griffin Institute is helping leaders define their creed
- Find out why Arlington, Texas was chosen as the home for the museum
- Discover how Medal of Honor stories are being used in classrooms and corporate boardrooms
"I didn’t go looking for it. It found me."
This week we speak with Cyndi Benavides, Army veteran and founder of the nonprofit Mallory Cemetery, a historic cemetery tucked into the heart of Franklin, Tennessee.
In this episode, Cyndi shares how a quiet walk in 2020 turned into a mission of preservation, storytelling, and connection.
In this episode:
- Learn how one veteran became the voice for a forgotten cemetery
- Hear about the Revolutionary War patriot, John Mallory, buried on site
- Find out how Cyndi rallied the community behind the cemetery's restoration following a devastating hurricane
"Just because they hang up the uniform doesn’t mean they stop serving."
This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Steve Topham of Wounded Warriors Canada about the healing power of remembrance, the importance of community, and the transformative experience of the Battlefield Bike Ride.
From Vimy Ridge to the Scheldt Estuary, Steve shares how this annual ride helps veterans, first responders, and families reconnect with history, with each other, and with themselves.
In this episode:
- Learn how the Battlefield Bike Ride became a gateway to healing
- Hear stories of veterans rediscovering their family history on the ride
- Discover why trauma is trauma, and why no one should struggle alone
Learn more: woundedwarriors.ca and bbrseries.ca
“We had a nominee called Bryan Phillips, unbelievable lad. Double amputee. He was in the Irish Guards, lost his legs in Afghanistan. And when I saw his name was called out and he stood up ... I turned to my wife and I said, that's why I've done this.”
This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Jason Gillard, veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Veteran Awards Ireland.
Jason’s mission is nothing short of transformative: giving veterans permission to step out of the shadows, celebrate their service, and reconnect with community and business.
In this episode:
- How the Awards are rewriting the narrative for veterans in Northern Ireland and expanding to the Republic of Ireland in 2027
- The life-changing power of recognition
- Learn about Connect Through Service Ltd and the power of trust in veteran employment
Follow: Veteran Awards Ireland on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X
"I didn’t understand the stakes until I saw what these men had done and how they continue to serve."
This week we speak with John Shertzer, Executive Director of the Medal of Honor Foundation, about the sacred mission of preserving valor, inspiring citizenship, and connecting generations through the legacy of America’s highest military honor.
From classroom programs to national museums, John shares how the Foundation is amplifying the stories of Medal of Honor recipients and helping young people rediscover courage, service, and civic pride.
In this episode:
- Learn how the Foundation is reaching 20,000+ teachers and transforming classroom culture
- Hear the story behind the real-life Medal of Honor ceremony used in Forrest Gump
- Discover how the Citizen Honors Awards spotlight everyday acts of heroism
"Commemoration is another kind of service. It is about remembering those who came before and inspiring those who come next."
This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Jay Singh-Sohal, active reservist, veteran, Chairman of the World War I Sikh Memorial, Trustee of The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation, about representation, remembrance, and the power of storytelling.
From Birmingham to Burma, Jay shares how his personal journey led to a global mission honouring Sikh and Commonwealth contributions, challenging historical gaps, and helping future generations connect with service and sacrifice.
In this episode:
Explore the memorial and Jay’s work: [Search “WWI Sikh Memorial” or “Jay Singh-Sohal”]
Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Wreaths Across America Radio at the links below.
“We’re carrying that torch of remembrance - that baton we’re passing over for future generations.”
This week on Story Behind the Stone, we sit down with Ben Mayne, battlefield tour guide and UK Director of Liberation Route Europe, to talk about remembrance, reconnection, and the power of walking in the footsteps of history.
From Normandy to the Netherlands, Ben shares how Liberation Route Europe is building a network of trails, stories, and sites that help families, veterans, and future generations connect with the past in deeply personal ways.
In this episode:
Learn more about Liberation Route Europe: www.liberationroute.com
This week on the podcast we go deep into history (literally and figuratively) with Gail Francis-Tiron and Pete Jackson M.B.E. , two passionate stewards of history, preserving Gibraltar’s World War II legacy at The Tunnels Gibraltar's WWII Experience, which preserves miles and miles of tunnels carved into the Rock.
Join us as we explore:
🌄 The strategic role Gibraltar played in WWII
🚢 Discover the emotional stories of wartime evacuation and return
🕵 Learn how Ian Fleming’s time in Gibraltar inspired James Bond
🍁 Hear about the Canadian engineers who helped carve the rock
How do you build a memorial for a war that’s still shaping lives?
Michael “Rod” Rodriguez, CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, shares his deeply personal mission to create a memorial on the National Mall in Washington D.C. honoring generations of service and sacrifice.
From 21 years in uniform to spearheading a project of national healing, Rod’s story is one of resilience, community, and remembrance.
🌟 Hear about the four guiding tenets — Honor. Heal. Empower. Unite. — and why this memorial is about so much more than stone and steel.
📍 Learn more about the GWOT Memorial Foundation and find ways to support: https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org
🎧 Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Wreaths Across America Radio.
Content Note: This episode contains discussions about suicide, loss, and mental health challenges. You are not alone. Help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:
United States – Call or text 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org (Veterans press 1).
Canada – Call or text 988, or visit 988.ca for support in English and French.
United Kingdom – Call Samaritans at 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org.
Ireland – Call Samaritans at 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org.
Australia – Call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au for 24/7 support.
New Zealand – Call or text 1737 (free, 24/7) to talk with a trained counselor, or visit 1737.org.nz.
Netherlands – Call 113 or 0800-0113 (free, 24/7) or visit 113.nl.
France – Call 3114 (free, 24/7) or visit 3114.fr.
Norway – Call Mental Health Helpline at 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit mentalhelse.no.
Traditional cremation leaves behind more than memories — it leaves behind toxic, fossil-like remains.
This week we sit down with Amanda Kelly, co-founder of AWAKE, to talk about the quiet revolution in cremation — one rooted in science, soil, and sustainability.
🌱 Learn about:
The rise of cremation: 60%+ in the U.S. (up from 3% in 1960!)
Why traditional ashes don’t biodegrade
The why behind AWAKE’s soil science
What veterans and families are asking for in green burials
What happens when faith meets the frontlines?
In this episode of Story Behind the Stone, we sit down with Patricia Cecil, Specialist Curator of Faith, Religion, and WWI at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City. Patricia takes us behind the scenes of Sacred Service, an extraordinary exhibit that uncovers how chaplains became unlikely healers, helpers, and mental health champions during the Great War.
From 3D scans of rare artifacts to stories of sacrifice and courage, this conversation will change how you think about faith, war, and remembrance.
✨ What you'll learn:
In this episode of Story Behind the Stone, host Matthew Cudmore sits down with France Q. Hoang—Army Ranger, former White House Counsel, Special Assistant to the President, and co-founder of AI-powered platform BoodleBox.
Born in Saigon in 1973, France and his family were airlifted from Vietnam in 1975 as the city fell, beginning a journey that shaped a life of extraordinary service, leadership, and innovation. From graduating in the top 1% at West Point to serving in Bosnia and Afghanistan, and later helping lead evacuations during the fall of Kabul, France shares powerful reflections on sacrifice, legacy, and the parallels between past and present refugee crises.
They also discuss his work with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and his passion for preparing future generations to navigate an AI-enabled world.
If you're curious about leadership, resilience, and the power of technology to preserve memory and inspire service, this episode is a must-watch.
In this conversation, Matthew Cudmore and Ryan Mullens speak with Lee Collins, Chief of Staff at Pacific Historic Parks, about the organization's mission to preserve and honor the history of World War II and the sacrifices made by veterans. Lee shares his personal journey from military service to his current role, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, education, and volunteerism in preserving history. He recounts poignant stories of courage and sacrifice, highlighting the values that define the military and the need for continued support to ensure these stories are told for future generations.
Takeaways
In this episode of Story Behind the Stone, host Matthew Cudmore speaks with Gillian Nye, Forest Memorials Manager at Better Place Forests. Better Place Forests is a nonprofit operating nine memorial forests across the United States. They discuss the unique concept of memorial forests, where individuals can have their ashes placed in nature, creating a lasting tribute. Gillian shares her personal journey into this meaningful work, the experiences of families visiting the forests, and the special ceremonies held for veterans. The conversation highlights the healing power of nature, the importance of honoring loved ones, and the future vision for Better Place Forests as a nonprofit organization.
takeaways
Better Place Forests offers a unique way to memorialize loved ones in nature.
The experience of visiting a memorial forest is often filled with peace and gratitude.
Gillian's background in storytelling and herbalism enhances her role at Better Place Forests.
Nature provides a healing space for families dealing with grief.
Veterans' ceremonies in the forest combine nature with military honors.
Families often feel a strong connection to the trees they choose for memorials.
The process of selecting a tree is deeply personal and meaningful.
Gillian emphasizes the importance of compassion and empathy in her work.
The organization aims to bring more people to nature, especially those with limited access.
In this episode of Story Behind the Stone, Ryan Mullens and Matthew Cudmore engage with Terri-Anne Simmonds, Head of Digital at the Australian War Memorial. They explore the significance of the memorial, its multifaceted role as a museum, memorial, and archive, and the personal connections Australians have with their military history. The conversation delves into the Places of Pride project, commemorative practices like Anzac Day, and the impact of modern conflicts on remembrance. Terri-Anne shares her passion for digital technology in enhancing commemoration and discusses future developments at the memorial, inviting listeners to engage with the stories and history it preserves.
Takeaways
