Today, June 12, would have been Anne Frank’s 97th birthday.

Anne was born on June 12, 1929, in Frankfurt, Germany. She quickly became one of the most lasting voices of the Holocaust. Despite dying at the early age of 15, Anne’s writings have reached millions of people all around the world and educated countless generations of the horrors of hatred, antisemitism, and discrimination.

Facing increasing persecution from the Nazi regime, Anne’s family moved to Amsterdam in search of safety. However, when the Nazis took over Holland, they were forced into hiding. Thus, for over two years, the Franks along with four other people lived in hiding inside an annex located above the building where Otto Frank had his business.

Throughout this period, Anne wrote in a diary, describing her experiences, worries, problems, and even hopes and aspirations. With the help of her writing, Anne left behind an insightful first-hand account of what it is like to be in hiding in some of the darkest times of human history. Although she faced unimaginable hardships, Anne showed an incredible amount of wisdom and resilience through her writings.

The Secret Annex was raided in August 1944, and its inhabitants were arrested and deported to Nazi concentration camps. Both Anne and her sister Margot ended up in Bergen-Belsen, where they both died early in 1945, a few weeks before their liberation. Anne was only fifteen. Anne Frank’s father was the only member of the direct family who survived the war.

Otto Frank went back to Amsterdam following the war and got back his daughter’s diary that had been kept safely by Miep Gies, one of the brave people who assisted in hiding the Franks and other Jews. Realizing how important his daughter’s words were, Otto went ahead to ensure the publication of the diary. Anne Frank’s Diary is among the best-selling books of all time since its publication in 1947. It has been translated to more than seventy languages around the world.

Anne Frank’s influence in the world remains undiminished over seven decades after her death. Apart from being evidence of the atrocities during World War II, her diary is a testimony of hope and bravery in times of despair.

Perhaps no quote better captures Anne’s spirit than her famous words:

“In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.”

Today is Anne Frank Day which occurs annually to celebrate Anne’s birthday and remember the six million Jewish people who were killed during the Holocaust. Though Anne’s life ended early through terrorism, her message lives on inspiring hope in even the darkest of times.