Michael Petru
Historian of veterans' experience at the Canadian War Museum who conducted the In Their Own Voices oral-history interviews featured in the episode.
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Nov 11, 2025 • 54min
Why Canadian veterans are conflicted about Remembrance Day
In this thought-provoking discussion, historian Michael Petru shares insights from his oral-history interviews with veterans. Poet and Afghan war veteran Benjamin Hertwig expresses his mixed feelings about formal rituals, preferring personal remembrance over public ceremonies. WWII veteran Blanche Bennett highlights the need for women’s contributions to be recognized, while Russell Kaye recalls his emotional return to D-Day sites. Together, they explore the complex relationship veterans have with Remembrance Day and emphasize the importance of educating future generations about the true costs of war.
Nov 10, 2025 • 54min
Not a war story. This is about what comes after for veterans
Michael Petru, a historian at the Canadian War Museum and former war correspondent, leads an oral history project exploring veterans' post-service experiences. He discusses the significance of preserving narratives not of combat, but of life afterward. The conversation includes emotional insights on grief for fallen comrades, the unsettling transition to civilian life, and the enduring impact of PTSD. Petru highlights how military service reshapes identity and societal perspectives, reflecting on the mixed legacy of experiences in places like Afghanistan.
