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These are the words Dame Mary Sigillo Barraco wrote on the wall of her cell as a political prisoner during World War II - words that would define her life’s mission: to ensure that freedom is never taken for granted.

Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and raised in Belgium, Mary came of age as Europe descended into war. When Belgium was seized by Nazi forces, she made a courageous and life-altering decision to resist.

Mary joined the Belgian Underground, serving with bravery and precision as part of the Resistance. Operating under the call sign “La pomme est verte” (“the apple is green”), she acted as a liaison between the Resistance and Allied forces, including the First Canadian Army. Her service and leadership ultimately earned her the rank of Captain, and in 2006, she was knighted by King Albert II of Belgium in recognition of her extraordinary contributions.

Her path, however, was marked by profound sacrifice.

Mary was captured by German forces and imprisoned at Fort Breendonk, where she endured brutal conditions, torture, and inhumane experimentation. While imprisoned, she witnessed the execution of her fiancé, an experience that would mark her forever. Yet even in the face of unimaginable suffering, her spirit did not break.

Instead, it strengthened.

From those darkest moments emerged a lifelong conviction: that freedom is fragile, and its preservation requires vigilance, courage, and action.

Mary dedicated her life to sharing that message. She spoke passionately about the dangers of complacency and the importance of standing firm in defense of liberty:

“We cannot sit by idly and watch our rights legislated into history. We must feel America in our hearts, understand Her in our minds, and defend Her with our lives if our freedom is threatened.

Her voice carried not only the weight of history, but the urgency of lived experience. Dame Mary Barraco became one of America’s most compelling advocates for freedom reminding all who heard her that the lessons of the past are never distant, and never irrelevant.

The Virginia Beach Republican Women’s Club is honored to have counted her among its members. Her legacy lives on through the club’s Torch of Freedom Scholarship, ensuring that future generations continue to understand, value, and defend the freedoms she fought to preserve.

Dame Mary Barraco’s life stands as a testament to courage, resilience, and unwavering patriotism. Her story is not only one of survival but of purpose. And her message remains as vital today as ever: It can happen again.