Story Behind the Stone

Memory Anchor
  • 5.0 (2)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Stories of veteran service and sacrifice straight from the people driving today’s most important veterans causes and veterans organizations around the world. The show shines a spotlight on their inspiring projects making a real difference for veterans and their families, and along the way we'll hear the stories that drive them to do their best every day as they work to support veterans and their memory.

  1. Kurt Deion (Historic Congressional Cemetery) – Presidential Grave Hunter

    FEB 26

    Kurt Deion (Historic Congressional Cemetery) – Presidential Grave Hunter

    "We’re trying to show that Congressional Cemetery is really a microcosm of American history." This week, we speak with Kurt Deion, a public historian and author on the education team at the Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC. Kurt shares his journey of visiting over 3,000 notable gravesites, the stories behind some of the most unique presidential monuments in America, and what it’s like to balance daily life at an active cemetery that doubles as a vibrant community space. In this episode:- Explore the unique atmosphere of Historic Congressional Cemetery, including its off-leash dog walking membership, Cinematery movie nights, and K-12 educational programming- Hear about Kurt's quest to visit every Supreme Court Justice, including the challenges of tracking down unverified burial sites and the research required to document the final resting places of 105 deceased jurists- Learn about the "future resident" identity, where Kurt shares why he purchased his own plot at Congressional Cemetery in 2022 and how that connection informs his work as a steward of history

    30 min
  2. Karen Worcester (Wreaths Across America) – Remember, Honor, Teach

    FEB 19

    Karen Worcester (Wreaths Across America) – Remember, Honor, Teach

    "We want to remember the individual and we want to give them a voice." This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America. Karen shares the incredible journey of how a surplus of wreaths led to a viral moment at Arlington National Cemetery, the logistics of coordinating 3 million volunteers to place wreaths at 5,994 ceremony locations, and how the organization works year-round to support veterans and Gold Star families through its three pillars: Remember, Honor, and Teach. In this episode:- Discover the movement's origins and how a single photograph in 2005 sparked a global outpouring of support, turning a family tradition into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit- Learn about the Remembrance Tree program, where Gold Star families tag balsam fir trees in Maine to create a living memorial that provides wreaths for veterans' graves.- Hear how the organization's pillar, Teach, is reaching a million children through free lesson plans designed to shift the focus from "what is a veteran" to "who is that veteran."

    25 min
  3. Dr. James Bulgin (Imperial War Museums) – Interpreting the Past for the Next Generation

    FEB 12

    Dr. James Bulgin (Imperial War Museums) – Interpreting the Past for the Next Generation

    "It's never lost on any of us what a privilege it is to do what we do." This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Dr. James Bulgin, Head of Public History at the Imperial War Museums. James shares how the museum preserves the stories of conflict from the First World War to the present day, how the Holocaust galleries emphasize individual stories, and why engaging younger generations remains a vital and urgent task. In this episode:- Learn about the museum’s challenge of communicating complex histories to visitors whose understanding is increasingly shaped by popular media- Hear how survivors and their families helped influence the Holocaust galleries and why their stories matter- Discover why digital outreach, learning programs, and global accessibility help the museum connect with audiences far beyond its physical sites

    18 min
  4. Quinn Duffy (Game Director) – Bringing History to Life Through Video Games

    FEB 5

    Quinn Duffy (Game Director) – Bringing History to Life Through Video Games

    "If gamers look up some piece of information or read about a piece of history and start connecting dots based on their experience in the game, I think that’s an incredibly powerful experience." This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Quinn Duffy, a longtime video game director whose games have shaped how millions of players interact with history in the video game franchises "Company of Heroes" and Microsoft's "Age of Empires". Quinn shares how reading veteran accounts, visiting battlefields, and studying military tactics helped bring depth and accuracy to titles that connect players with real history in meaningful ways. In this episode:- Learn how Quinn’s battlefield research in places like Leningrad, Caen, and Normandy shaped the authenticity and emotional tone of his games- Discover how immersion and storytelling come together to create strategy games that stand the test of time- Hear why Quinn believes historical games can serve as powerful learning tools that encourage players to explore the past beyond the screen

    20 min
  5. Allan Hunn (Escape and Evasion Research and Tours) – Retracing The Escape Routes of WWII

    JAN 29

    Allan Hunn (Escape and Evasion Research and Tours) – Retracing The Escape Routes of WWII

    "It’s impossible to overemphasize the support that many escapers and evaders had." This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Allan Hunn of Escape and Evasion Research and Tours. Allan shares how his work uncovers the routes taken by Allied servicemen crossing the Pyrenees during the Second World War and how retracing those paths helps families connect with acts of courage, sacrifice, and humanity. In this episode:- Learn how Allied aircrew and soldiers escaped occupied Europe through the Pyrenees with the help of local civilians- Hear how meticulous research and on the ground exploration bring escape and evasion stories to life- Discover how walking these routes provides families with understanding, connection, and closure

    39 min
  6. Jim Landon (ATCO Frontec) – Service, Remembrance, and the Invictus Games

    JAN 22

    Jim Landon (ATCO Frontec) – Service, Remembrance, and the Invictus Games

    This week, we speak with Jim Landon of ATCO Frontec, a former British Army officer whose career has spanned global operations, disaster response, veteran advocacy, and major international partnerships through the Invictus Games. Jim shares how service shaped his leadership, the values that carried him into his work at ATCO Frontec, and why veterans bring powerful skills into civilian organizations. In this episode:- Explore the impact of ATCO's Invictus Games involvement and how it is transforming veteran employment and awareness- Understand why remembrance, defence readiness, and cultural understanding matter more now than ever- Learn how Jim’s 28 years in the British Army shaped his approach to leadership and teamwork Learn more: https://frontec.atco.com/en-ca.htmlListen on Apple, Spotify, and Wreaths Across America Radio.

    45 min
  7. Zita Ballinger Fletcher (Author & Military Historian) – Bridging Past and Present Through Military History

    JAN 15

    Zita Ballinger Fletcher (Author & Military Historian) – Bridging Past and Present Through Military History

    “When you interact with historical documents, it’s like having a conversation with the past and nobody else can have that conversation for you.” This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Zita Ballinger Fletcher, a military historian and author whose work spans World War II research, defense journalism, and cultural preservation. Zita shares how her deep dive into archives and original sources is reshaping our understanding of history and why those lessons matter today. In this episode: - Learn how language and translation shape historical narratives- Hear about her work with the German War Graves Commission and a challenging search for fallen policemen in Berlin- Explore how FPV drones are changing the future of warfare—and what history can teach us about adapting to new threats Learn more: https://zitasteele.com/Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Wreaths Across America Radio.

    19 min
  8. Ultan Moran (Dublin Cemeteries Trust) – Irish Echoes Across the Atlantic

    JAN 6

    Ultan Moran (Dublin Cemeteries Trust) – Irish Echoes Across the Atlantic

    “Glasnevin is of course famous in this country for having the burials of so many people who shaped Irish history.” This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Ultan Moran, historian and tour guide at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, Ireland's National Cemetery. Ultan shares powerful stories of Irish lives that shaped, and were shaped by, North American history. In this episode:- Discover how a Dublin-born soldier became a hero of the American Civil War- Learn how Frederick Douglass was inspired by Irish abolitionist Daniel O’Connell- Explore the legacy of Irish-born veterans of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and how their memory is preserved today

    26 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Stories of veteran service and sacrifice straight from the people driving today’s most important veterans causes and veterans organizations around the world. The show shines a spotlight on their inspiring projects making a real difference for veterans and their families, and along the way we'll hear the stories that drive them to do their best every day as they work to support veterans and their memory.

Information

  • Creator
    Memory Anchor
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Memory Anchor Inc.
  • Show Website
    Story Behind the Stone