I Felt I Needed to Say This Then, and Re-Say It Now.
Published in Blog Posts.
Many years ago I was invited to speak to a group of Jewish people. I went to the podium. As I stood there tears came to my eyes. I swallowed hard, and attempted to speak. When my voice finally cleared. I said the following: “Before I begin to say anything else I must start with an apology. I am German, I have German blood flowing through my veins. As a person of German heritage I carry a history that cannot be denied. I would like to believe that I would be above the circumstances and situations that caused my great grandparents to participate in the holocaust. I also know that I am a human being and do not always do what is right. Therefore please accept my apology. I am so deeply sorry that this part of history ever happened.”