Alycia M. JonesApril 22, 2014The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of ForgivenessSimon Wiesenthal wrote a personal account of his life in the Nazi concentration camps. He titled it "The Sunflower" because he noticed that German graves were decorated with magnificent sunflowers. He realized that Jewish graves would never be honored, marked, decorated or visited. There would be no memory of them after their annihilation. This written account is a way for Wiesenthal to ensure his memory. He tells us about a specific event that happened and that is forever etched in his memory. It's a memory he believes needs to be shared with the masses. It is a memory that has influenced hearts and lives around the world. He addresses in particular the questions he asks himself about the limits and possibilities of forgiveness. At the beginning of the book, Wiesenthal recounts his encounter with a dying SS officer. The dying man's request was that Wiesenthal forgive him for the crime he had previously committed against the Jews. This SS soldier had participated in the massacre of the Jewish people. When the Jews were trapped inside a burning building, their futile attempts to escape were met with brutal refusal by SS officers. Nazi soldiers shot all the Jews who managed to escape the burning building. The SS officer asked the nurse to bring him a Jew. Wiesenthal was part of a hospital work brigade when he met Karl. Karl was mortally wounded and tormented by his conscience. He believed that absolution could be obtained from another Jew. Wiesenthal could not bring himself to grant the request of the dying SS, because he felt it was not his place to do so. Even if he left the dying... middle of paper ... bonds must be formed. The restoration of peace can be illustrated by the cessation of fighting between nations. They can live peacefully with each other and support each other. In reality, we don't expect that. The Sunflower is a successful memorial of parts of Jewish life. By reading this story, people will become part of these lives. Simon Wiesenthal's story has been told, his legacy has been left. Everyone who reads his story has no choice but to share with him the weight of this tragic burden. He will be known, honored and remembered. His life and efforts were not in vain. This story serves as inspiration, wisdom and encouragement to generations to come. Wiesenthal only wanted to be remembered for something after his death. From now on, the world will know him for his eternal question: "What would you have done if you were me ?”?