So wrote Otto Frank, Anne Frank’s father.
Bristol’s Anne Frank tree was planted in her memory on 12 June 2009 on what would have been her 80th birthday. You can visit the tree and remember Anne at Brandon Hill Park near the Charlotte Street entrance. It can be found here.
![By Unknown photographer; Collectie Anne Frank Stichting Amsterdam (Website Anne Frank Stichting, Amsterdam) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://i0.wp.com/bristoltreeforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/annefrank1940_crop.jpg?resize=514%2C589&ssl=1)
The tree, a Ginkgo biloba, was one of many such trees planted in memory of Anne Frank throughout the country. The tree-planting ceremony was held nine years ago to mark the 80th anniversary of her birth and took place after the city had hosted a touring exhibition in the cathedral, which attracted more than 10,000 people and 25 school groups.
Anne Frank and other members of her family were among millions of Jews murdered in Nazi concentration camps during World War II.
Jon House, Deputy Chief Executive of Bristol City Council, who led the event, said ‘Anne Frank has become a symbol of the millions who have suffered persecution throughout the world because of prejudice and hatred and the ongoing fight to challenge it that we all share. Bristol City Council has an important leadership role to play in bringing communities together and building better neighbourhoods, creating equality of opportunity for everyone and defending the most disadvantaged in our city.’
A chestnut tree behind the secret annex in Amsterdam where Anne and her family hid was one of Anne’s only links to the outside world during her years in hiding, but, by 2009 it had become diseased. This tree in Bristol, and many others like it, reminds us of the consolation and pleasure that trees can bring us, and of the tragedy that befell Anne, her family and all those who have suffered persecution. The Anne Frank trees planted throughout Britain were intended to ensure that her story is not forgotten.
If Anne were alive today, she would be 89 years old next Tuesday.
Gr8. A plaque is now in place. As it is flat on the ground, not easy to find! At least, despite my comment, there is a memorial in place, so can identify tree amount others. Well done. Jim, Filwood’s Tree Champion.
Reblogged this on Bristol Tree Forum and commented:
One of Bristol’s Iconic trees..
I visited the site recently.
There is more than one Ginko planted. I could not make out her tree? Is there a plaque?
If not, needs one!
Cheers.
Jim, Filwoods Tree Champion.
We agree, Jim. We have suggested one, but, so far without success.
To whom have you applied?
And what was their reason for not affixing a plaque?
Thank you.
Jim, F T C .