AJR211

A Joint Resolution designating May 18 of each year as Six Triple Eight Day in New Jersey.

Whereas, World War II was a global conflict involving nearly all the world’s countries, including the United States, leading many citizens to rise and answer the calls to service for their nation; and

Whereas, The United States deployed approximately 16 million military personnel during World War II, including about 11 million in the Army, 4 million in the Navy, and 660,000 in the Marine Corps; and

Whereas, The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion of the United States Army, eventually known as the Six Triple Eight, was the only all-African American, all-female unit sent overseas during World War II, consisting of approximately 850 officers and enlisted personnel; and

Whereas, The Six Triple Eight was organized in Birmingham, England on March 4, 1945 and conducted the organization and delivery of military mail at a facility until after the end of the war in Europe; and

Whereas, After discovering warehouses crammed from floor to ceiling with millions of pieces of mail and packages, the women of the Six Triple Eight worked in poor conditions, including no heat and minimal lighting, to successfully deliver the mail and packages that had remained stagnant for at least two years; and

Whereas, Despite experiencing difficult working conditions, racism, and sexism, the Six Triple Eight successfully delivered over 14 million pieces of backlogged mail in just three months to seven million American soldiers and civilian personnel stationed in Europe; and

Whereas, Shortly thereafter, the Six Triple Eight was moved to France to complete an identical job of delivering backlogged mail which was completed three months earlier than the established deadline; and

Whereas, On February 27, 1946, the Six Triple Eight boarded the Claymont Victory for its return to the United States and was disbanded at Fort Dix, New Jersey; and

Whereas, On March 14, 2022, President Biden signed a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion; and

Whereas, At least 28 women from New Jersey served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, including Velma Jerome Arkward, Gladys Beatrice Avant, Bernice S. Axam, Dorothy Dale Birkhead, Willamae Boatright, Victoria Busby, Lillian A. Butterfield, Gladys Eva Debman-Blount, Daisy Bell Dinkins, Sylvia Gillis, Hester Givens, Ada W. Holley, Johnita Alyse Johnson, Lillian Willene Johnson, Dolores Maime Johnston, Edith Marguerite Linzey, Vermeil Elmira McMillan, Doretha Miller, Queen Esther Moore, Georgiana Morton, Edith Frances Murray, Caroline Elizabeth Smith, Marjorie Randolph Suggs, Catherine E. Turner, Marion VanOrkey, Breda Violet Williams, Hearther Riley Withers, and Lauretta Wray; and

Whereas, Born in Newark, New Jersey, Gladys Eva Debman-Blount was one of the six surviving members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion to receive the United States Congressional Gold Medal; and

Whereas, The Allentown Village Initiative will recognize Marion VanOrkey, who was born in Allentown, New Jersey on May 18, 1914, by hosting a program to tell the story of the battalion and honor those who served as its members; and

Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper for the State of New Jersey to designate May 18 of each year as Six Triple Eight Day in honor of the dedicated all-African American, all-female unit of the United States Army that succeeded at their mission despite numerous hardships; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. May 18 of each year is designated as Six Triple Eight Day in New Jersey to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-African American and all-female unit of the United States Army that succeeded at their mission despite numerous hardships.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to issue an annual proclamation calling upon public officials, citizens of the State, and other interested groups to observe Six Triple Eight Day with appropriate programs and activities.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution designates May 18 of each year as Six Triple Eight Day in New Jersey.

World War II was a global conflict involving nearly all the world’s countries, with the United States deploying approximately 16 million military personnel. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion of the United States Army, eventually known as the Six Triple Eight, was the only all-African American, all-female unit sent overseas during World War II, with approximately 850 officers and enlisted personnel. The Six Triple Eight was organized in Birmingham, England on March 4, 1945 and conducted the organization and delivery of military mail at a facility until after the end of the war in Europe.

After discovering warehouses crammed from floor to ceiling with millions of pieces of mail and packages, the women of the Six Triple Eight worked in poor conditions, including no heat and minimal lighting, to successfully deliver the mail and packages that had remained stagnant for at least two years. Despite experiencing difficult working conditions, racism, and sexism, the Six Triple Eight successfully delivered over 14 million pieces of backlogged mail in just three months to seven million American soldiers and civilian personnel stationed in Europe. Shortly thereafter, the Six Triple Eight was moved to France to complete an identical job of delivering backed-up mail which was completed three months ahead of the established deadline. On February 27, 1946, the Six Triple Eight boarded the Claymont Victory for its return to the United States and was disbanded at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

On March 14, 2022, President Biden signed a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. At least 28 women from New Jersey served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, including Gladys Eva Debman-Blount and Marion VanOrkey.

The Allentown Village Initiative will recognize Marion VanOrkey, born in Allentown, New Jersey on May 18, 1914, by hosting a program to tell the story of the battalion and honor those who served as its members. Since several members of the Six Triple Eight are from the State of New Jersey, it is altogether fitting and proper for this State to designate May 18 of each year as Six Triple Eight Day in honor of the dedicated all-African American, all-female unit of the United States Army that succeeded at their mission despite numerous hardships.