In this episode, Ryan and Matt sit down with Renée Davis, a research historian with the Department of National Defence Directorate of History and Heritage working in the Casualty Identification Program. They discuss Renee's journey into military history, the nature of her work in identifying the remains and graves of Canadian service members, and the emotional impact this work has on families. Renee shares specific case studies, including the identification of Private Arthur Venance, and emphasizes the importance of community involvement and curiosity in commemorating the stories of those who served. The conversation highlights the significance of recognizing individual sacrifices and the ongoing efforts to honor their memories.

takeaways

• Renee's passion for military history developed through her experiences at Vimy.
• The Casualty Identification Program aims to identify missing service members from past conflicts.
• Renee's work involves historical sleuthing to piece together soldiers' stories.
• Identification of remains cases require forensic analysis and genealogical research.
• The emotional impact of identifying remains is profound for families.
• Community involvement is crucial for identifying partially known graves.
• Renee emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual stories behind headstones.
• The process of identification can take years and involves meticulous research.
• Ceremonies for identified soldiers provide closure and honor their sacrifices.
• Renee encourages curiosity in exploring the stories of those commemorated.