December 26, 1918 – Full diary entry:

“Got a Red Cross sweater. Today only ½ day drill.

Nora has had Bob’s picture taken. I wish one would come.”

I found a fantastic article about the knitting campaign started by the Red Cross in 1917:

When the United States entered World War I on April 6, 1917, the military scrambled to secure the materials and industrial capacity necessary to outfit the soldiers heading off to Europe. While enlistees were issued the basics required for survival, including stockings and a heavy overcoat, this uniform included no sweaters, hats, or gloves necessary to keep them comfortable.

To fill this gap, the American Red Cross began a national knitting campaign. Red Cross branches distributed yarn, advertised the need for knitwear, and distributed standard patterns for the most needed items. Women from all over the country, from college students to grandmothers, promised to knit for “Sammy.” Over 19 months of U.S. involvement in the war, they donated 24 million pieces of clothing for soldiers…

Where was Robert today? See the timeline.