When I began to document the dialogs with Germans for Speaking into the
Silence I had no idea how important it would be in changing my own life.
Much of the dialog at the end of the book came as a result of public readings
in Germany and to German audiences. I am left with an undeniable
understanding of the human need for truth and resolution. I have watched as
people have been moved by the passages which resonate their own life
experiences. At the same time others have been moved to denounce the
words as fantasy. I have been as clear in my intent as possible by choosing
the title Speaking into the Silence. What is written here is not open for
debate as to its authenticity. The sole purpose is to end the silence that has
stood in the way of the final healing.

On this the fiftieth anniversary of the liberation of Europe I have heard many
times over about the need to keep the memories alive. The common idea is
that we must never forget so it will never happen again. For myself, I believe
it will never happen again if we allow the natural healing process to take
place. As long as there are those who want to keep memories alive for
revenge or those who want to keep secrets out of shame, then we are doing
no more than keeping an open wound from healing on its own. The truth is,
what happened during this part of human history will stand as an example for
hundreds of years to come in spite of what we do.

ROBERT STARKEY
MAY 7,1995