If this little girl had been allowed to live out her life, she would now be 80 years old, and full of the wisdom that comes with such an age.

Instead, her life ended before she had any opportunity to show what she could have become.

Instead, we are left only with remembrances, such as this joyous photo taken in an innocent age, at an innocent age.

And her diary, her beloved Kitty.

Her memory is alive and she is honored each time someone reads her diary, into which she poured the wisdom she had accrued in a life cut short so cruelly.

Today, we celebrate the birthday of

ANNE FRANK.