The Monument Builders of North America has released a new episode of its Monument Matters podcast, spotlighting the Ohio Veterans Memorial Park—a powerful example of how design, collaboration, and storytelling unite to honor those who served.
Released just days before Veterans Day in the United States, the episode’s guests are Kenneth C. Noon, owner of Summit Memorials Inc in Akron, Ohio and Erin Lynn Rader, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and researcher who is among the dedicated volunteers who made the Ohio Veterans Memorial Park possible. Erin and Ken are co-authors of the book “3095 Plus – Ohio’s Fallen: The Battle for a Veterans’ Memorial.”
The podcast reveals how a small group of passionate volunteers transformed a simple idea into a lasting tribute through persistence, collaboration and creativity. Listeners gain insight into organizing community fundraising, navigating local politics, and balancing emotion with practicality in memorial design. The podcast explores the park’s origins and meaning while offering monument builders practical lessons in community engagement, memorial design, and sustaining legacy through stone. Ultimately, it demonstrates that with shared vision and commitment, even modest communities can build meaningful memorials that preserve stories of service and sacrifice
“This conversation is both inspirational and instructive,” said Monument Matters podcast host and MBNA Past President Mike Johns Jr. of The Johns-Carabelli Co. Semerano Monuments & Flowers. “The Ohio Veterans Memorial Park shows how local vision can grow into a lasting tribute that touches generations.”
The episode, “Honoring Sacrifice: The Story of Ohio Veterans Memorial Park,” is available on the Monument Matters podcast page at www.monumentbuilders.org and on major podcast platforms.
About Monument Matters
Produced by Monument Builders of North America (MBNA) Monument Matters is a bi-weekly podcast that dives into the heart of the memorialization industry. Each approximately 30-minute episode builds on the themes featured in MBNA’s magazine, MBNews, offering thoughtful conversations with industry leaders, craftsmen, and innovators. Topics range from timeless stone-carving traditions and business growth strategies to advocacy, design innovation and community-impact projects. Whether you are a monument builder, cemetery professional, funeral provider or allied trade, Monument Matters delivers actionable insight and inspiration to help your business and community reflect the enduring power of memorials. Episodes are available in audio and video formats on all major platforms.
About Monument Builders of North America
Monument Builders of North America (MBNA) is a trade association founded in 1906. Members include businesses around the globe that sell memorials to the public, quarries supplying raw materials, and support the monument industry with services and products. MBNA members agree to adhere to a Code of Good Practice. Recognition of professionalism among memorialists is paramount for MBNA which maintains a directory of certified memorialists who have documented experience in the industry plus completed education and examination. Learn more at https://www.monumentbuilders.org.
