Anne Frank

(holocaustresearchproject.org)

"It's utterly impossible for me to build my life on a foundation of chaos, suffering, and death. I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness. I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too, I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more." Anne Frank wrote these courageous words in her diary on July 15, 1944 demonstrating her extraordinary strength and resiliency. She is an example to the world of heroism: proving that no matter what your circumstance may be, it is important to remain hopeful and look for the best in any situation. Anne Frank is my hero because of her determination, positive attitude, and lasting legacy.

Born Annelies Marie Frank in Frankfort am Main, Germany on June 12, 1929 to a German-Jewish family, Anne's life on this Earth was cut short just 15 years later. In an effort to escape persecution, Anne and her family moved from Germany to Amsterdam, Netherlands in 1934. Here, life was "normal" for the young girl and she excelled in school and other activities. However, things soon changed for Anne an her family when Germany invaded the Netherlands in May of 1940. For her thirteenth birthday, Anne was given a small, red-and-white plaid book that she used as a diary. She was an excellent writer and recorded both ordinary and extraordinary events. She once wrote "When I write, I can shake off all my cares", proving that this diary was more to her than just a book, but rather a place to escape her surroundings and share her inmost feelings; those of anxiety, as well as, those of hope. Throughout her entries, Anne demonstrates true heroism by her unmatched determination; to escape German persecution and live a "normal" life once again.

Anne Frank continuously maintained a positive attitude, even when one would feel as though they were in the depths of despair. All of Anne's freedoms and joys were stripped from her, yet she remained positive and still believed she would one day escape persecution. She always tried to find the good in people and deeply believed people are "truly good at heart". She once wrote, "It's a wonder I haven't abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart." This bold statement shows Anne's true heroism because throughout everything she endured, she remained positive and hopeful, always looking for the good in others.

Finally, Anne is my hero because of the lasting legacy she has left on the world. Through her diary entries, real accounts of the Holocaust have been preserved and serve to remind people around the world that history must NEVER repeat itself. Her stories tell of persecution and misery, however, they bring with them a great sense of hope and courage as demonstrated by this incredible fifteen year old. Anne's diary has been translated into multiple languages and has even become one of the world's most widely read books. She has become one of the most renowned and discussed victims of the Holocaust and her story has continued to live on, decades after her death.

Sadly, Anne's life, and that of nearly six million other Jews, was taken from this earth much too soon. However, Anne's legacy has lasted, and will continue to last, for generations to come. She is a true hero, not just for me, but also for the world. Through her diary, she shared her personal experience as a victim of the holocaust and told of the horrors that she and others were forced to endure. However, she also shared a great story of hope and determination. Anne Frank was an incredible young woman who should be regarded forever as "The World's Hero"!