What can readers learn from the dialogue in Alfons account of parallel journeys

Alfons is a German boy that became a member of Hitler Youth early in life. He quickly rose through the ranks, and became a glider pilot for Germany in the war. However, once the war ended, he was arrested, but then let free. He still feels guilt for what Germany had done, and moves to Canada, then the United States. Later, he writes a newspaper story about his time in the war. He rediscovers Helen, and the two recollect on how, even though they grew up in the same area, they lived completely different lives.