Fifth-Grade Humanitarian Speaks at CSM’s Anne Frank Tree Planting
Nestled in a courtyard east of the Hillmer Art Gallery, College of Saint Mary hosted a ceremony April 26 to celebrate the planting of a sapling grown from Anne Frank’s chestnut tree that towered behind the Secret Annex in Amsterdam. The University was one of six recipients chosen by the Anne Frank Center USA, an organization honoring the legacy of Anne Frank.
Among those to speak during the ceremony was Natalie Flaherty, a fifth-grade humanitarian from Fairmont, MN. Natalie started an initiative to “Stand with Anne” and put a stop to hate.
“My intention with this initiative is to teach people starting in preschool how to spot hate and how to stop it,” she said. “Anne Frank probably would have lived to an old age if it hadn’t been for hate.”
Natalie has given out more than 35,000 bracelets that read “I Stand with Anne” to more than 30 countries and all 50 states. She was recognized by President Joe Biden, who sent her a personal letter, for her effort to spread the message to stop hate. The Florida Holocaust Museum recently honored her with a special Anne Frank Humanitarian Award.
“Anne Frank inspired me in many ways, but the primary way was her strength in the face of adversity,” Natalie told the crowd who gathered for the ceremony. “She showed true strength in being honest about her feelings even when she was terrified. Today, it is hard for most adults to be honest about their true feelings. It is one of the most admirable qualities humans can have. She gave grace to people who had absolutely no mercy.”
Natalie challenged those gathered to be the change that cures a shattered world.
“With a diary, with a chestnut tree, and with enough love to fuel true society change, Anne has built a foundation for us that has withstood the test of time,” Natalie said. “The true question is, will we listen to her now? Nearly 80 years after Anne’s death, we are the fortunate few who are graced in the presence of a small piece of her life.”
Other speakers included Lauren Bairnsfather, PhD, chief executive officer, Anne Frank Center USA; Rabbi Benjamin Sharff, Temple Israel; Megan Helberg, 2020 Nebraska Teacher of the Year; CSM President Heather Smith; and Mark Gudgel, EdD, assistant professor of education at CSM. CSM students Tylina Cookman-Booth, Lizeth Martinez and Jessenia Florez read excerpts from Anne Frank’s diary.
