The Big Book Pages for Peace Project printed on DuPont Tyvek

The Big Book: Pages for Peace Foundation and DuPont Protection Technologies (DuPont) announced the completion of the World’s Biggest Peace book. The book, containing over 1,100 pages with 3,500 pieces of artwork, letters, quotes and messages of peace from such notable contributors as Nelson Mandela, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Maya Angelou, measures 12 feet tall by 10 feet wide – 20 feet when open – and is printed entirely on DuPont Tyvek. The 4,000 feet, or nearly three miles, of Tyvek required for the project was donated by DuPont.

The completion of the book after more than 10 years fulfills the dream of a group of 10 fifth grade students from the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District in Massachusetts in 2004. Following the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, the students were concerned about the condition of their world and set out to make a difference. Their teacher, Betsy Sawyer, suggested they write to world leaders and others to ask for their advice on creating a more peaceful world. The class then embarked on its journey to make the responses into giant pages for the largest book in the world on peace. Since its inception, some 450 students have joined the effort, which is named The Bookmakers and Dreamers Club. Seven of the original students, now juniors in college, were invited to the United Nations for The International Day of Peace on Sept. 21. The book includes contributions from students, parents and veterans along with those of world leaders, Nobel Laureates and celebrities. The students hope to exhibit the book at The United Nations in 2016 in support of The United Nations Youth initiative to promote The Culture of Peace. A portion of the book was previewed at the John F. Kennedy Library on Oct. 8, 2014.

DuPont's Tyvek was used for the project because of its unique properties. Tyvek has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than paper, absorbs little or no moisture, is strong and tear-resistant, and is made of environmentally responsible material.

The Pages for Peace Foundation is a 501c3 not-for-profit foundation supporting peace education, community service and public speaking skills for students in grades 5-12. The Foundation was formed in 2008 in response to public donations toward building and exhibiting the World’s Biggest Peace Book.