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Anne and Samantha Day – December 21, 2024

Anne and Samantha Day, celebrated on June 20 and December 21 every year, is a special tribute to celebrate both Anne Frank and Samantha Smith. Did you know that Anne and Samantha Day takes place twice a year? Yes, Anne and Samantha Day is a celebration that happens bi-annually during the summer solstice and winter solstice. This day is meant to let the world know about the pain, suffering, uproars, and revolution brought by these women. So, who exactly were Anne and Samantha? What was their contribution to the world? Read on to find out more.

History of Anne and Samantha Day

Anne Frank was a Jewish girl whose writings in her diary — “The Diary of a Young Jewish Girl” — impacted generations. Frank was born in Frankfurt, Germany, on June 12, 1929, to Otto and Ruth Frank. The Frank family fled Nazi Germany and settled in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The Netherlands, however, was seized by the Nazis in 1942. As a result, the entire family was forced into hiding and was surviving by hiding at the back of Frank’s company. That was when Anne wrote her diary.

Later in 1944, betrayal split her family apart, and the Germans forced them into hard labor under brutal conditions in concentration camps. Her father was the only family member to survive and he was also the one who discovered Anne’s diary. This diary became a book of hope and courage for many worldwide.

Samantha Smith was the daughter of an instructor of college literature and a social worker, Jane Goshorn Smith. She was born on June 29, 1972. When she was only ten years old, she wrote a letter to Yuri Andropov, who was the leader of the Soviet Union. In the letter, Samantha sought to understand the cause of the cold war between the United States and the Soviet Union. Although the letter was published in the Soviet newspaper, “Pravda,” she did not receive a response from Andropov.

On April 26, 1983, she received a letter from Andropov in which he answered all of the young girl’s queries. An invitation to the Soviet Union was also included in the response. Her ability to write made her a valuable asset in peacekeeping deployments. People started this day to have Anne and Samantha on postage stamps.

Anne and Samantha Day timeline

1929
The Birth of a Legend

Anne Frank is born in Frankfurt, Germany.

1944
Betrayal Splits the Family

The Frank family is split into two — leading to tragedy.

1972
The Birth of Samantha

Samantha Smith is born to a social worker and a college instructor.

1983
Samantha Writes a Letter

Samantha Smith writes an iconic letter to Yuri Andropov.

Anne and Samantha Day FAQs

Where is Anne frank’s diary now?

The famous Anne Frank diary is seen as a beacon of hope and hardship by many. Today, Anne Frank’s original red-checked diary is on display at the museum, “Anne Frank House.”

What is Anne Frank’s famous quote?

Her famous quote is “I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.” “I’ve found that there is always some beauty left — in nature, sunshine, freedom, in yourself; these can all help you.”

How did Samantha Smith die?

Samantha Smith did not live to see the end of the Cold War. In August 1985, she was killed along with her father when the small plane they were traveling home in collided with trees and crashed.

How to Observe Anne and Samantha Day

  1. Write to the Stamp Advisory Committee

    One of the best things you can do to celebrate Anne and Samantha Day is by writing a letter to the Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee persuading them to include Anne and Samantha on Postage Stamps. Go ahead, write today!

  2. Watch a film

    Watching movies is one of the most meaningful ways to commemorate this day. Several films show Anne and Samantha's life in detail. You can watch these impactful films on this day.

  3. Post on social media

    You can create social media posts that will rally other people into celebrating the occasion. You can post these pictures on your social media handles and use the hashtag #Anne&SamanthaDay.

5 Facts About Anne And Samantha That You Didn’t Know

  1. Anne was a nickname

    Anne’s full name was Annelies Marie Frank.

  2. Samantha was just 11

    Samantha was just 11 years old when she wrote a letter to Andropov.

  3. ‘America’s Youngest Ambassador’

    Samantha Smith was named ‘America’sYoungest Ambassador’ by the press.

  4. Samantha was an actress

    Samantha Smith starred in the film, “Lime Street.”

  5. The diary was a gift

    The diary in which Anne detailed her account of her experiences was her 13th birthday gift.

Why Anne and Samantha Day is Important

  1. We need this day

    Anne and Samantha Day is a much-needed day that appreciates and honors the noble work done by these two women. By observing this day, we help millions of people get inspired.

  2. It spreads positivity

    Anne and Samantha Day encourages people to stay strong, never give up and work hard to inspire others. This opens up a new wave of positivity and opportunities for struggling people.

  3. We need to remember the past

    Remembering the past doesn’t mean dwelling on the past, it means learning from the past. Only by learning from history, can we make sure we don’t repeat the same mistakes.

Anne and Samantha Day dates

YearDateDay
2022June 20Monday
2022December 21Wednesday
2023June 20Tuesday
2023December 21Thursday
2024June 20Thursday
2024December 21Saturday
2025June 20Friday
2025December 21Sunday
2026June 20Saturday
2026December 21Monday

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