Reverend Martin Niemoeller, (1892-1984) German Lutheran pastor, was arrested by the Gestapo and sent to Dachau in 1938. He was freed by the allied forces in 1945. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quote Share via Email Print this Page [1-3] of 3 Reverend Martin Niemoeller quotesReverend Martin Niemoeller QuotesReverend Martin Niemoeller When the Nazis came for the communists, I remained silent; I was not a communist. When they locked up the social democrats, I remained silent; I was not a social democrat. When they came for the trade unionists, I did not speak out; I was not a trade unionist. When they came for me, there was no one left to speak out.~ Reverend Martin Niemoeller In Germany, the Nazis first came for the communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, but I didn't speak up because I was a protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak for me.~ Reverend Martin Niemoeller Ask the first man you meet what he means by defending freedom, and he'll tell you privately he means defending the standard of living.~ Reverend Martin Niemoeller Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print