The Peace Baby Sweater: Knit a Legacy of Hope, Inspired by Anne Frank and the Spirit of D-Day
Madison, WI (November 5, 2024) – Now, you can own a sweater inspired by an extraordinary story and a monumental moment in history, brought to life through the dedication of one Commemorative Air Force (CAF) family. In 2019, CAF members Tom and Mary Kay McDermott had the honor of participating in the 75th-anniversary commemoration of D-Day with a commemorative flight to Normandy, France. Participating in the formation was the historic C-47 That’s All, Brother—the very aircraft that led the main aerial invasion on D-Day and an aircraft supported by the McDermotts.
For this journey, the public was invited to send meaningful items aboard, creating a personal connection to the commemorative mission. Among the items carried on this historic flight was the “Peace Baby Sweater,” a hand-knit tribute by Mary Kay McDermott, crafted in memory of Anne Frank and lovingly sent to Normandy by her husband, a devoted longtime CAF member, Tom McDermott.
Mary Kay’s inspiration to knit the sweater emerged from a powerful experience. After visiting Auschwitz, she was deeply moved by an iconic photograph of two-year-old Anne Frank in 1931, wearing a hand-knit cardigan with matching rompers fastened by pearl buttons. This image symbolized for Mary Kay a sense of innocence and hope preserved amid unimaginable loss. Her recreated cardigan, named the Peace Baby Sweater, embodies peace, hope, and remembrance for Anne Frank and the millions who lost their lives in the Holocaust.
The sweater’s journey to Normandy was made possible by Mary Kay’s husband, who shared her vision of preserving the memories of those who fought for freedom. By accompanying That’s All, Brother, the Peace Baby Sweater connected Anne Frank’s legacy to the D-Day commemoration, honoring both her memory and the collective sacrifices of Allied forces in the fight for liberty.
Continuing this tribute, Mary Kay has made the Peace Baby Sweater pattern available for purchase and pledged all profits to benefit the Anne Frank House and the Commemorative Air Force, advancing the shared mission of historical preservation and education. Through this heartfelt contribution, the McDermotts and the CAF encourage people to remember the past and inspire hope for future generations.
To learn more about the Peace Baby Sweater, visit https://www.schoolhousepress.com/peace-baby-sweater-spp79.html.
