Knitting for The Troops
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Not only did women take men’s roles during this time, they also wanted to do their part in helping the men overseas. Women of all ages knitted wool sweaters, socks, wash cloths and other items to send to the troops. Soldiers were facing extreme temperatures and these knitted items made a huge difference to them men. Women were knitting everywhere, during church, school, on public transportation and various other places. Teachers even begin teaching their students to knit in schools (Becker, 2004).
An organization called “The Junior Red Cross” was founded in 1917 which was open to all American school children. The Junior Red Cross was partners with Red Cross and was ran through schools. Children in The Junior Red Cross began knitting for the troops as well. Taught by their mothers and teachers, school children joined the efforts to send items to the men over seas. Children in one school in Seattle even had a song to go along with their knitting efforts:
“Johnnie, get your yarn, get your yarn, get your yarn; Knitting has a charm, has a charm, has a charm, See us knitting two by two, Boys in Seattle like it too. Hurry every day, don’t delay, make it pay. Our laddies must be warm, not forlorn mid the storm. Hear them call from o’re the sea, ‘Make a sweater, please for me.’ Over here everywhere, We are knitting for the boys over there It’s a sock or a sweater, or even better To do your bit and knit a square.” (Becker, 2004).
With most of the men away at war, many feared for the future of America. Despite people’s doubts, the women of America stepped up and proved that they could adequately fulfill the duties of their men. American women also sent knitted items they spent countless hours on to keep the soldiers warm. Thanks to the women of World World 1, America didn’t fail but prospered.
An organization called “The Junior Red Cross” was founded in 1917 which was open to all American school children. The Junior Red Cross was partners with Red Cross and was ran through schools. Children in The Junior Red Cross began knitting for the troops as well. Taught by their mothers and teachers, school children joined the efforts to send items to the men over seas. Children in one school in Seattle even had a song to go along with their knitting efforts:
“Johnnie, get your yarn, get your yarn, get your yarn; Knitting has a charm, has a charm, has a charm, See us knitting two by two, Boys in Seattle like it too. Hurry every day, don’t delay, make it pay. Our laddies must be warm, not forlorn mid the storm. Hear them call from o’re the sea, ‘Make a sweater, please for me.’ Over here everywhere, We are knitting for the boys over there It’s a sock or a sweater, or even better To do your bit and knit a square.” (Becker, 2004).
With most of the men away at war, many feared for the future of America. Despite people’s doubts, the women of America stepped up and proved that they could adequately fulfill the duties of their men. American women also sent knitted items they spent countless hours on to keep the soldiers warm. Thanks to the women of World World 1, America didn’t fail but prospered.