63 years ago today Anne Frank wrote the last entry in her now famous diary. Three days later, on August 4th, 1944, the Gestapo discovered the ‘Secret Annexe’ where Anne’s family and friends hid for over two years. She was imprisoned in a concentration camp and less than one year later Anne died from typhus in the Bergen-Belsen camp. She was only 15 years old.
A little over a month ago, Kara and I decided to read Anne Frank’s diary to prepare for our visit to The Netherlands. The ‘Secret Annexe’ where Anne hid out in the early 40’s is still standing and we wanted to walk through it while in Amsterdam. I had never read the diary before, so I figured it would be an interesting historical record of this reprehensible period in human history. What I found was a fiercely intelligent girl with a voracious appetite for learning and an impressive ability to write. While reading through her intimate writings, I couldn’t help but become enamored with this girl. She was so smart, so talented and creative and energetic and catty. Anne had incredible potential.
Sadly, she was never allowed to fully explore that potential. Instead, she was closed up in a world of hiding, fear, anxiety, hunger, conflict, and boredom. Her spirit and ultimately her life were crushed by the disgusting hatred of racism. That thought both infuriates and depresses me; that man can be so evil as to destroy the lives of innocent, loving, exuberant children.
I have been profoundly touched by this book. Anytime I think about it emotions well up inside of me. I fear that I’ll be an emotional wreck when I walk through the ‘Secret Annexe’ and see the walls that imprisoned and oppressed Anne. What really shocks me is that if Anne were still alive today, she’d be 78 years old. This didn’t happen all that long ago! And though it may happen on a smaller scale today, it’s sadly no surprise that crimes against innocent children still occur. I don’t know how yet, but I am determined to do something about it. I can’t go back and save Anne, but maybe I can save other children in her name. Anne Frank, you have inspired me to make a difference.
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
- Anne Frank
Awesome, Jake.
great post.
I agree with it all. I can't believe I've never read Anne's Diary. That's next on my list.
I was in Amsterdam a couple years ago and made it to the Anne Frank museum even though my now ex said it would be too depressing.
Sure, it was a heavy thing to do on vacation.
But it is an amazing thing to see.
If you were moved by the book, you will be doubly moved by standing in those rooms.