Getting the Names Right: Preserving Veterans’ Stories Through Research and Memorial Design

In this episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns speaks with military researcher Bill Beigel, founder of World War II Research, Inc., about how monument builders can ensure accuracy and depth in veterans memorials. Beigel shares how professional research can uncover forgotten heroes, correct misspelled names, and add meaningful personal stories to each engraved name. The conversation explores partnerships between researchers and monument builders, the ethical importance of getting every detail right, and how emerging technologies like digital markers and NFC chips can extend memorial experiences while preserving the sacred nature of stone. Chapters (00:00:05) - Monument Matters(00:00:45) - Bill Beagle(00:02:45) - The Challenges of Building Veterans Memorials(00:09:03) - Finding the stories of World War II soldiers(00:12:35) - What Would a National Monument Cost?(00:13:41) - Using Digital Markers to Enhance Monument Experience(00:15:46) - When Technology Meets Necessity(00:20:05) - What's the Memorial of the Future?