"It's really wonderful to be able to turn headstones that say, 'Known unto God' into named people that we now know are in those graves."

This week, we speak with Lynelle Howson, a historian for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). As we mark the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme this July, we explore the incredible operations of an organization that maintains the graves and memorials of over 1.7 million service members across more than 150 countries. Lynelle shares the heartbreaking legacy of the pals battalions, the profound poetry behind the personal headstone inscriptions, and the ongoing, modern forensic recovery efforts keeping the memories of the fallen alive over a century later.

In this episode:
- Uncover the tragic reality of the pals battalions, where entire communities of friends, coworkers, and neighbours enlisted together, inadvertently dealing concentrated, devastating losses to individual towns back home
- Learn about the forensic recovery and rededication process, which coordinates historical research and documentary evidence to give named headstones to soldiers previously listed on memorials to the missing
- Discover the architectural landscape of the Somme, from the massive Thiepval Memorial standing sentinel over the battlefields to hidden, intimate cemeteries like Quarry Cemetery

"The transformation is real. They've tattooed that anchor on your heart and you're going to be a Marine for life."

This week, we sit down with Major General James W. Lukeman, President and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. We explore his 40 years of continuous military service and his current mission protecting 250 years of Marine Corps history. Major General Lukeman discusses the upcoming 20th anniversary of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the significant impact of veteran reunions, and how the campus is preparing for a massive summer lineup celebrating America's 250th anniversary.

In this episode:
- Experience the museum's legendary immersive exhibits, including a specialized Korean War gallery chilled to freezing temperatures to simulate the Chosin Reservoir, and a Vietnam exhibit that transports veterans right back onto Hill 881 South
- Learn about the nationwide "Marines across America" campaign, a year-long 250th-birthday initiative that partnered with all 50 state governors and the American Bakers Association to honor the community impact of local veterans
- Hear the incredible story of a 101-year-old Iwo Jima veteran who was flown to the museum to reunite with the exact tank he drove during the historic World War II battle

Learn more: https://www.marineheritage.org/
Listen on Wreaths Across America Radio: https://wreathsacrossamerica.org
Listen on Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/5b1hT0BJwrnMARDRueFffS
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/story-behind-the-stone/id1795798019

Broadcasting live from the Military Women’s Memorial next door to Arlington National Cemetery, this episode tackles a profound and difficult question: What if the biggest threat to veterans' heritage isn't time, but silence?

To help answer that, we welcome Michael "Rod" Rodríguez, the President and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial Foundation. Rod is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret with ten deployments under his belt , coming from a deeply rooted, multi-generational military family. From his early days as a young private delivering food during a famine in Somalia to his time serving as a sniper , Rod shares how a lifetime of service inspired him to take on a sacred mission: leading the historic, congressionally designated effort to build a national memorial right on the National Mall in Washington, D.C..

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• A Historic First: Learn how this landmark breaks history as the very first National War memorial to be planned and authorized during an ongoing conflict.
• The "Impossible Bill": Rod details the grueling legislative battle to secure an exemption from the Commemorative Works Act of 1986—which originally required a conflict to be over for ten years before a national memorial could be built—ultimately leading to a bill signed into law by President Biden.
• Honoring the Unseen: Discover how the memorial is designed to be the most inclusive tribute ever built, honoring not just 3.7 million post-9/11 uniformed service members, but also the more than 3,400 non-uniformed personnel who stepped up to serve.
• The Core Pillars: Explore the four foundational tenants driving the project's mission: Honor, Heal, Empower, and Unite.
• A Moving Design Preview: Rod shares a unique sneak peek into the upcoming design unveil, including a footprint motif featuring steel inserts to depict the heavy weight of war , as well as empty footprints acknowledging those lost to the invisible wars fought at home.

About the Guest:

Michael "Rod" Rodríguez is a retired Green Beret whose entire family embodies a legacy of service. He is the grandson of World War II veterans, the son of a Vietnam veteran, the husband of a 21-year military veteran, and the proud father of an 82nd Airborne Division soldier with four deployments of his own.

Where to Listen:

Story Behind the Stone is available on the Wreaths Across America Radio Network via iHeartRadio, Audacity, and TuneIn. You can also catch the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.