In this episode of Story Behind the Stone, Ryan Mullens and Matthew Cudmore speak with William (Bill) Butler, the Acting President of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio. Bill shares his extensive military background and discusses the museum's mission to honor veterans and elevate their stories. The conversation explores the challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life, the importance of community engagement, and the various programs the museum offers to support mental health and wellness. Bill highlights the significance of storytelling and education in connecting younger generations with veterans, as well as the museum's innovative design and its role in fostering intergenerational empathy. The episode concludes with inspiring stories of resilience and a look at the museum's future plans.

A Legacy Lives On

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum began with a vision from the late Senator John Glenn (1921-2016), Colonel, USMC (Retired), who understood the pressing need to honor the legacy of the courageous men and women who answered the call.

https://nationalvmm.org/

takeaways

• Bill Butler served 27 years in the Army.
• The museum aims to honor all veterans and elevate their stories.
• Stereotypes about veterans often misrepresent their experiences.
• Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging.
• The museum offers programs addressing PTSD and mental health.
• Community engagement is a key focus of the museum's mission.
• Educational initiatives connect youth with veterans' stories.
• The museum's design symbolizes healing and connection.
• Intergenerational interactions foster empathy and understanding.
• Resilience stories inspire hope and connection among veterans.

In this episode, Ryan Mullens and Matthew Cudmore engage with Nicolas (Nick) McCarthy, the Director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach for Canada's National Cemetery, Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, exploring its rich history and unique features. They discuss Nick's unconventional journey into the cemetery industry, the significance of Beechwood as a military and cultural landmark, and the personal stories that make it a living history of Canada.

The conversation also touches on the future of technology in commemoration, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and personal narratives in remembering those who have served. In this conversation, Nicolas (Nick) McCarthy highlights initiatives to honor diverse military communities, including Latin American soldiers, and the No Stone Left Alone program that encourages remembrance among school children. Additionally, he introduces the Under the Maple Leaf program, aimed at properly disposing of Canadian flags and fostering national pride. McCarthy emphasizes the significance of these stories and initiatives in shaping Canadian identity and honoring sacrifices made by military personnel and their families.

In this episode, A.J. Orlikoff, the interim executive director of the Historic Congressional Cemetery, shares his journey and passion for history. He discusses the unique features of the cemetery, its role as a community space, and the notable figures interred there. A.J. highlights the importance of serving bereaved families and the lively atmosphere of the cemetery, which includes an active dog-walking program and various community events. He also shares inspiring stories of individuals like Leonard Matlovich, emphasizing the cemetery's rich history and its significance in LGBTQ+ history. The conversation concludes with insights into the cemetery's architectural features and the Cemetery Speaker Series, which fosters community engagement through historical discussions. In this conversation, A.J. Orlikoff discusses the innovative programs at Congressional Cemetery, emphasizing the importance of making history accessible and engaging for the community. He highlights the Speaker Series, military connections, and the emotional impact of events like Wreaths Across America. The conversation also delves into the unique Soul Strolls program, which combines history with immersive theater, and the ongoing efforts to preserve the cemetery's legacy while addressing the challenges faced by historic sites.

With its first burial in 1807, Historic Congressional Cemetery is among the oldest institutions in Washington, DC, and is the final resting place of over 70,000 individuals. Their stories are American history in microcosm, all in 35 acres of the nation’s capital. Still an active burial ground, it is the only place in Washington where individuals can be buried at a site directly on Pierre L’Enfant’s 18th century city plan.

Historic Congressional Cemetery was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2011 and continues to build upon the legacy of over 200 years of American history.

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project is the most extensive oral history project in American history, with over 120,000 collections, encompassing oral, physical, digital artifacts and recordings of U.S. veterans — across generations of servicemembers and conflicts dating back to the First World War.

In today's episode join us as we sit down with the dynamic Monica Mohindra, Director of the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. who heads up a team racing against time to collect, preserve, and share these priceless stories.

We explore the significance of collecting and preserving the stories of over 120,000 U.S. veterans, emphasizing the personal connections and the impact of sharing them with the next generation. With a significant history of military service in her own family, Monica shares her own experiences that drive her and underline the importance of maintaining curiosity in storytelling, while highlighting the ripple effect that these stories can have on individuals and communities, for both veterans and with surprising effects on their interviewers. The discussion also touches on the living legacy of oral histories and the future of the project as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

In this conversation, Ryan Mullens and co-hosts Matthew Cudmore and Matthew Stewart sit down with Jason Van Bruggen, a Dutch-Canadian visual artist behind the 80 Years of Freedom project. They discuss Jason's artistic journey, the importance of visual storytelling, and the emotional impact of sharing personal histories, particularly from the civilian perspective during wartime. The conversation highlights the significance of commemoration and the challenges faced in preserving these narratives for future generations. Jason shares insights into his creative process and the upcoming exhibitions related to his project, emphasizing the need to connect with and learn from the past.

takeaways

• Jason van Bruggen is driven by curiosity and human interest.
• Legacy is a significant focus for Jason in his work.
• Visual storytelling can evoke emotional responses and change behavior.
• The civilian experience of war is often overlooked in narratives.
• Commemoration is crucial in understanding the impact of conflict.
• Connecting generations through shared stories is vital.
• Many survivors of WWII are reluctant to share their experiences.
• The importance of asking questions to elicit personal histories.
• Art can serve as a powerful medium for remembrance.
• The 80 Years of Freedom project aims to honor and share these stories.

Join us for our very first "walk and talk" episode hosted by Matthew Stewart and featuring guests Elizabeth Wratislav and Jacob Siermans who head up Te Arawhata, the New Zealand Liberation Museum located in Le Quesnoy, France. Elizabeth and Jacob share the museum's mission to commemorate New Zealand's role in World War I, particularly the liberation of the historic walled French village Le Quesnoy, and the ladder to liberation that helped free the town from occupation in the World War I.

In this episode of Story Behind the Stone, host Matthew Cudmore interviews author Roseanna Rolph about her historical memoir, 'Dear Mr. Snippet,' which is based on the letters exchanged between her grandparents during World War II. Roseanna shares the emotional journey of discovering these letters, the significance of transcribing them, and the insights gained about her grandparents' relationship and experiences during the war. The conversation also touches on the impact of the book, her collaboration with the charity Little Troopers, and the upcoming exhibit at the London Postal Museum.

takeaways

• The title 'Dear Mr. Snippet' reflects the intimate correspondence between Roseanna’s grandparents.
• The letters provide a unique glimpse into life during World War II.
• Transcribing the letters deepened Roseanna's understanding of her grandparents' lives.
• The emotional contrast in the letters mirrors the realities of war.
• Rita and John's relationship was characterized by humor and love despite the war's challenges.
• The letters reveal the struggles of maintaining morale during long separations.
• Rita's home front experiences included rationing and community efforts during the war.
• VE Day was a pivotal moment of hope and celebration for the couple.
• The book aims to resonate with modern military families through shared experiences.
• Roseanna's work with Little Troopers highlights the ongoing impact of military life on families.

In this conversation, Ryan Mullens and Matthew Cudmore speak with Caitlin Bailey, Executive Director of the Vimy Foundation. They discuss the foundation's mission to educate Canadians about their history, particularly the significance of Vimy Ridge, and the various programs aimed at youth engagement and commemoration. Caitlin shares her unexpected journey to the foundation, the importance of Vimy Ridge in Canadian identity, and the impact of their youth programs. The conversation also touches on future initiatives and the role of technology in commemoration.

Takeaways

• Caitlin Bailey's journey to the Vimy Foundation was accidental but meaningful.
• Vimy Ridge symbolizes Canadian identity and unity during WWI.
• The Vimy Foundation runs year-round programs, not just for Vimy Day.
• Youth programs foster connections among young Canadians from diverse backgrounds.
• History encourages critical thinking and civic responsibility.
• The Vimy Foundation's digital initiatives enhance engagement with history.
• Commemoration is a way to honor those who served in the military.
• Vimy Ridge is featured on the Canadian $20 bill and passport.
• The foundation has a collection of 4,000 artifacts related to WWI.
• Future milestones for the Vimy Foundation include significant anniversaries in 2026 and 2027.