We Shall Not Be Silent

"For the sake of future generations, an example must be set after the war, so that no one will ever have the slightest desire to try anything like this ever again. Do not forget the minor scoundrels of this system; note their names, so that no one may escape...We shall not be silent - we are your bad conscience. The White Rose will not leave you in peace..."- The Fourth Leaflet

The phrase "we shall not be silent" was the foundation and driving force behind the White Rose and their resistance struggle.  Through the courage of their convictions, the White Rose exemplifies the importance of voicing dissent and that one must never miss an opportunity to speak of what is just and moral. 

The White Rose epitomizes the impact of remaining true to one's voice even in the face of death.  For example, following brutal interrogations by the Gestapo Sophie Scholl appears before the court that shall determine her fate.  Despite her broken leg and uncertain future Sophie Scholl in a great act of courage stands up and states to the President of the Court (known for his perversion of justice) that, "you know as well as we do that the war is lost.  Why are you so cowardly that you won't admit it?" 

Rather than use this opportunity to plead for her life, Sophie remained true to her voice of resistance and the promise of the White Rose to never remain silent.  Whether it manifests itself in leaflets or testimonies in court the White Rose resistance group demonstrates that the one ability that remains with all individuals until death, is the power of one's voice.