|
In
the year 1942 a symbol of purity and innocence grew out of the devastation
and darkness of Nazi Germany. Three courageous young people - Hans
Scholl, a 24-year-old medical student at the University of Munich,
his 22-year-old sister Sophie, and 24-year-old Christoph Probst
founded the "White Rose" movement.
Outraged and shaken that educated Germans supported or at best
ignored the evil around them, Hans, Sophie and Christoph openly
protested the Nazi genocide against Jews. Defying the wrath of Nazi
supporters, the brave young students handed out anti-Nazi leaflets
and painted the walls of the university with "Freedom!"
and "Down with Hitler!".
On a dark winter day in February 1943, Hans and Sophie were arrested,
while their friend Christoph was captured soon after. Four days
later, facing execution at the hands of the Nazis, Hans' last words
were "Long live freedom!".
|