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Minnesota Student Continues to Spread Anne's Message of Love

Natalie Flaherty and her family help welcome the sapling which will be dedicated next week at Fairmont Jr./Sr. High School
Sapling dedication season is underway at the Anne Frank Center USA. One special dedication is coming up for a young person who is spreading Anne's message of hope in her community. Natalie Flaherty, an 11-year-old 6th grader from Minnesota, took time last fall to share how she was inspired by the courageous story of Anne Frank.
Natalie with her family: Maxwell, Darrin and Becky.
Natalie's story.....

When I was 7 years old I was struggling with a lot of things in my life, I wasn’t sure exactly who I was or where I was going to end up in life. I had a lot of fear and anxiety -- as many kids do these days. Winter and the Pandemic had impacted Minnesota hard and there was a lot going on. One day I walked in on my mom watching a documentary on Anne Frank and I instantly connected to her. I felt her pain, her fear and her intense love for those around her all in one moment and I begged my mom to get me her diary so I could understand even more of her. After many months of begging, and many talks about the atrocities of the Holocaust and how my fear and anxiety may be increased -- my mom finally got me “The Diary of a Young Girl.”
Upon many hours of reading and rereading, I realized that in many ways what was happening in my life could be changed just as what had happened to Anne and her family could have been. I realized that Hate is a driving factor in wars, bullying, and even the most basic of differences. People have been trained to hate when a simple conversation could have changed an entire world. I have long had the opinion now that babies were not born hating each other, that it is taught to them by the very people who are supposed to teach them unconditional love. I have learned the hard way though, that not everyone sees the world through my 11 year old kid eyes. Did I mention I’m 11?
Anne Frank has inspired me in many ways. She showed strength, and she took action by documenting what was truly happening at a time that many people were afraid to stand up and protect each other out of fear. I was so inspired by her that I decided to jump into action. When I was 10, I dressed up like Anne for Halloween and instead of getting candy, I purchased bracelets with my own money that say “I stand with Anne. Put a stop to hate."

I think there is a path for our world to live in peace -- and maybe that starts with the kids.
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Our collective call to action.
We believe in empowering young voices.
In fostering empathy.
In standing against intolerance and injustice.
The Anne Frank Center USA exists to inspire courageous action and build a world rooted in understanding and compassion.
Together we can turn history’s lessons into action today.
Together, we will make change.
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