Amsterdam: A City that Doesn’t Forget

When Ted and I visited Amsterdam in August, we toured the house where Anne Frank and her family hid for two years before capture by the Nazis. We expected to be deeply moved … and we were.

What we hadn’t expected was to be equally moved by the sights we saw on the walk to the Anne Frank Haus from our hotel.

Everywhere we looked, it seemed, history was being embraced. Not hidden.

And just as clearly, a gloriously diverse present was being celebrated.

First, there were the Pride-bedecked city trams, pictured at the top of this post.

Then there was Anne’s statue on this neighborhood sidewalk. Isn’t it wonderful?

At first, I wasn’t thrilled with the motorcycle in the background of the photo above … but then I realized it makes perfect sense.

Anne’s presence isn’t tucked away in some museum.

It is right in the middle of things… a part of everyday life on this busy street. As it should be.

Anne’s diary isn’t banned in Amsterdam.

Neither are oh-so-gay bikes.

And imagine our surprise to see this monument along the Keizersgracht canal in the center of the city, a tribute to the gay men and lesbians killed by the Nazis … and all those persecuted throughout history.

It is stirring in its simplicity–three large pink granite triangles set into the ground, together composing a larger triangle.

Occupying a small, calming space at the water’s edge, it was the first monument of its kind in the world when it opened in 1987.

Like the Anne Frank house, it’s a testament to the horror of hiding.

The monument’s website says the structure “makes a strong statement that history must not be repeated: ‘Never again.'”

Bouquets of fresh flowers were scattered there the day we visited.

As I said, Amsterdam doesn’t forget.

Sure, there’s fun to be had in Amsterdam.

It seems de rigueur to take at least one photo of a condom shop while you’re there.

The food is spectacular.

As are the evening strolls.

And the architecture.

But what stays with me after our visit is one powerful reminder:

Having to hide is a horrible thing.

Whether it’s hiding a banned book from your seventh grade teacher.

Or hiding the fact that your child wants to transition.

Or hiding your recent trip out of state for an abortion.

Or hiding the name of the person you love.

Hiding is often required in our world today, but … from what we saw of Amsterdam, at least … there is no need for it ever again in this beautiful city.

I think Anne would be proud of that.