The Fountains of Silence

“Gold is tried by fire and brave men by adversity,”

We have only died if you forget us.

—anonymous epitaph

SPANISH CIVIL WAR MASS GRAVE

And Michael, whose love gives me the courage and the wings. He is my everything.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Spain and the regions within its borders. Thank you for al

Every nation has scars and hidden history. When stories of historical conflict are read and discussed, we have an opportunity to be united in study and remembrance. In that way, books join us together as a global reading community, but also a global human community striving to learn from the past.

Thousands of babies were stolen from their parents during the Franco dictatorship in Spain, but the story was suppressed for decades. Now, the first stolen-baby case has gone to court. The trial is expected to last months. As Lucía Benavides reports from Spain, it’s a dark part of Spanish history that is finally getting more recognition.

Between 1939 and the late 1980s, it is alleged that over 300,000 babies were stolen from their birth mothers and sold into adoption.

—LUCÍA BENAVIDES

from “First Stolen-Baby Case from Franco Dictatorship Goes to Court in Spain”

NPR

August 14, 2018

When you discover the truth, you must speak it aloud and help others to do the same, Señor Matheson. Truth breaks the chains of silence.” Puri puts a trembling hand to her chest. Her voice drops to a whisper.

“It sets us all free.”

Thousands of babies were stolen from their parents during the Franco dictatorship in Spain, but the story was suppressed for decades. Now, the first stolen-baby case has gone to court. The trial is expected to last months. As Lucía Benavides reports from Spain, it’s a dark part of Spanish history that is finally getting more recognition.

Between 1939 and the late 1980s, it is alleged that over 300,000 babies were stolen from their birth mothers and sold into adoption.

—LUCÍA BENAVIDES

from “First Stolen-Baby Case from Franco Dictatorship Goes to Court in Spain”

NPR

August 14, 2018

“Amnesty? Meaning crimes of the past will simply be erased? Surely that won’t work.”

I’m completely thrown for a loop