ERMA – One woman’s project to commemorate the efforts of Allied forces during World War II from D-Day to the liberation of Paris resulted in the creation of 80 knitted dioramas depicting scenes from that period.
Tansy Forster, a native of Ireland who has been living in Normandy for 24 years, was on hand at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum on Monday, April 14, to attend the opening of the display that will be there until September.
To commemorate D-Day she started knitting a three-dimensional portrayal of World War II veteran Harry Kulkowitz working with his radio, and two years later, with the help of some 180 knitters and another 752,000 contributors, the 80 displays were completed.
Contributors, Forster said, made such things as the field of red poppies that is a border for the display. She said at least 250,000 people have viewed the display, known as “The Longest Yarn.” The display arrived in Cape May County after completing a 10-month tour in England and Ireland. She said the display will likely find a home in Carentan, Normandy, France.
The display, which is 80 meters in length, was created to honor the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Some of the panels pay tribute to real World War II veterans. Mark Kulkowitz, son of D-Day veteran Harry Kulkowitz, traveled to Normandy with his father on Harry’s 80th birthday, which was also the 60th anniversary of D-Day.
The museum is the first stop on the tour in the United States. The display runs from April 14 to Sept. 1 and is included with regular museum admission.
Mark Kulkowitz said the display will move from Cape May County to the Chapel of Four Chaplains in Philadelphia. The four chaplains for which the chapel is named died when the U.S. army transport ship SS Dorchester was sunk on Feb. 3, 1943. Future stops include Arlington National Cemetery and Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Kulkowitz said he hopes many school-aged children will be able to view the display.
The museum will be selling books related to the exhibit. Forster said the proceeds, after paying the touring costs, would be going to the Citizens and Veterans Advisory Council, which supports veterans who have physical, mental and financial needs.
British paratroopers.
explains his involvement in the Longest Yarn project
to John Kelly of the Herald.
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or call 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
