Kitty Werthmann Speaks on Holocaust - KHGI-TV/KWNB-TV/KHGI-CD-Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings

Kitty Werthmann, who was born in Austria and lived under Hitler's rule for 7 years, is now 86 years old.

Hearing first-hand of someone's experiences under Hitler's rule is a rare opportunity and the public is invited to come and hear Werthmann speak.

When Werthmann was 12 years old and in the sixth grade, her world changed. "Dictatorship did not happen overnight," Werthmann says. "In 1938, Austria was in a deep recession. One-third of our workforce was unemployed. There was 25 percent inflation and interest on loans was 25 percent. Our farmers were going bankrupt."

When Hitler assumed power in Austria there was great hope that the change would solve Austria's problems but, "We lost our freedoms. We were absolutely tricked," Werthmann says. "We didn't even know about the Holocaust until after the war was over because we were kept in the dark."

Werthmann had the good fortune of moving to America in 1950, becoming a naturalized citizen and experiencing true freedom. She has devoted her life to traveling this great land in an effort to remind her fellow Americans how fragile freedom is.

Knowing first-hand the terrible price a nation pays when the people fail to keep a vigilant watch over their liberties. Werthmann reminds listeners that each American has a responsibility to be ever watchful for any attempts to erode those freedoms.

Here is a list of where Werthmann will be speaking:

Lexington –October 3^rd – Noon

• Kirk's Restaurant, I-80 & Hwy 283.
• A luncheon of soup, salad and sandwich will be available for $11.25.
• Kitty will speak after the luncheon.
• A free will offering will be collected.
• RSVP is essential, please contact Corky Anderson at 308-324-2128 or Sarah Taylor at 308-324-4699

North Platte –October 3^rd – 6:30 p.m.

• North Platte Public Library.
• Free will offering will be collected.

Hayes Center Schools – October 4^th - 10:00 a.m.

• Area schools and the public invited to attend.
• Anyone wishing to make a donation to help with travel expenses and/or to help her efforts please contact : Marian Richards at 308-286-3496 as a collection will not be taken at the school.

Hastings –October 4^th  - 6:30 p.m.

• Hastings Hotel and Convention Center,
• 2205 Osborne Drive East Hastings NE 68901.
• Free will offering will be collected.

Bancroft/Rosalie Schools – October 5^th -10:00 a.m.

• 708 Main Street in Bancroft.
• Area Schools & Public are invited to attend.
• Anyone wishing to make a donation to help with travel expenses and/or to help her efforts please contact : Kathy Wilmot at 308-340-3987 as a collection will not be taken at the school.