Gerda Weissman Klein didn't have much to cling to back in 1939 except hope and the photographs hidden in her shoes of her family when her childhood was tragically interrupted by the invasion of German soldiers in southern Poland.
In the years that followed she would never see her family members again and spent exhausting days making clothing and parachutes for the Germans.
In 1945 Gerda and about 2,000 other females were forced to endure a 350-mile death march that left only 120 survivors. The women were abandoned by the Germans and the next day Germany surrendered and she was liberated. During the liberation Gerda met Kurt Klein who would end up being her lifelong suitor. Kurt eventually proposed to her and they wed in Paris and moved to Buffalo, NY in 1946. The two of them performed decades of community service and began the Gerda and Kurt Klein Foundation that focused on tolerance, ending hunger, and recognizing those who didn't survive the Holocaust.
Not only did Gerda become an American citizen she developed a love so deep for the United States she wishes more people shared, "Frankly, I think most people don't appreciate our country. if you have been deprived of freedom as I have been, it is a miraculous thing. I love this country with a love that only one who has been homeless and hungry for as long as I had been can have."
Today, at 87, she spends her time stirring the hearts of Americans to love and appreciate what it means to be an American and educating others on the responsibility of becoming a naturalized citizen, "I want children to know it's a privilege to be a citizen. Being an American is an incredible gift. In the late autumn of my life, I am on a mission to pay back this country for all that was given to me. I want all colors, all races, all religions, and for every child to be free. I want to assure you that every dream can become a reality."
Gerda is a Holocaust survivor, an author, a motivational speaker and back on February 15th, Gerda was awarded the highest U.S. honor a civilian can receive, the Medal of Freedom, "It was the most wonderful thing. You didn't know if anybody was Democrat or Republican. We were all Americans."
Here's to you Gerda Weissmann Klein for developing such a deep love for America and choosing to share your love and life lessons with others-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!
What do you think of Gerda and her story? What do you think of the love that Gerda has developed for America?
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