Psychologists have generally focused on memory from a very narrow perspective: an individual, alone with their thoughts, remembering their own personal past. However, our memory is an eclectic mix of autobiographical details, vicarious memories, stories from our friends and family, general knowledge and filled-in blanks with imagination. It is indeed a reconstructive process, yet I argue that this reconstruction is social, collective and extended. In this article, I analyse a 3-minute excerpt from an interview with a Second World War veteran’s daughter, which serves as a rich example of the multitude of memory and how they collide and intertwine within a single narrative to bring meaning to a particular past. I propose a critical reflection on the way cognitive psychologists generally approach the concept of memory and how micro-analysis can help broaden this perspective. Finally, I reflect on my particular position in the context of this special issue.
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