America’s Littlest Diplomat

by Marlayna Freitas: Executive Editor

In 1982, in the midst of the Cold War, 10-year-old Samantha Reed Smith wrote a simple letter to Yury Andropov, the leader of the Soviet Union. This young girl wrote a simple letter asking very important questions and voicing her concerns, “I have been worrying about Rusia and The United States getting into a Nuclear War.” She continues on to express her desire for peace and questions the Soviet Union’s desire to “conquer the world.” 

Yuri Andropov answers tenderly telling Samantha she is, “a courageous and honest girl.” and reassures her fears that the Soviet Union does not want to participate in a nuclear war and will not be the first to strike with nuclear weapons. He seconds her desire for peace and harmony throughout the world. He ends his letter inviting Samantha to the Soviet Union for a summer to, “find out about our country, meet with your contemporaries, visit an international children’s camp–”Artek”-- on the sea. And see for yourself: in the Soviet Union, everyone is for peace and freidnship among peoples.” 

Samantha did travel to Russia for two weeks and was able to experience the culture and see the country that had once caused her worry. Pictures, treasures, and souvenirs from her travels can be found at the Maine State Museum. Upon her return Samantha did television interviews, and wrote a book about her journey’s with her father, Journey to the Soviet Union. Samantha then hasted her own television special, Samantha Smith Goes to Washington: Campaign ‘84, she interviewed various political leaders about issues. Smantha Smith then went on to be a rising child actress appearing in a new series, Lime Street in a regular role. 

Unfortunately, Samantha Smith died at the age of 12 with her father in a plane crash near Auburn, Maine. The Soviet Union in her honor issued a postage stamp with her picture named a diamond and an asteroid after her. The state of Maine erected a life-size statue of Samantha holding a dove with a small bear and established the first Monday in June to be Samantha Smith Day. In 1985 her mother created the Samantha Smith Foundation, dedicated to peace education and encouraging international friendships. 

Samantha's story is truly fascinating, the small impact she had on the children she met in Russia and at camp and the adults she met is monumental for such a young girl. She was a beacon of hope and peace, her childlike view of the world was a necessary change in perspective for the contentious leaders of the countries at the time. 

Samantha inspires the world to learn about the children on the other side of it. To seek peace in their own country and with other countries. And most importantly she shows the great impact just a 10-year-old girl can have on two whole countries and the world.