"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

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.html
Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Wreaths Across America Radio.

“When you interact with historical documents, it’s like having a conversation with the past and nobody else can have that conversation for you.”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.