Bill > SJR149

This joint resolution designates May 18 of each year as Six Triple Eight Day in New Jersey to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a unique and remarkable World War II military unit composed entirely of African American women. The resolution highlights the battalion's extraordinary achievements, including successfully sorting and redirecting approximately 17.5 million pieces of backlogged mail in just three months, despite challenging working conditions that included poor lighting, no heat, rodent infestations, and pervasive racism and sexism. The resolution specifically recognizes the 28 women from New Jersey who served in this unit, with special mention of Gladys Eva Debman-Blount from Newark, who was one of six surviving members to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. The resolution requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe Six Triple Eight Day with appropriate programs and activities, thereby ensuring that the unit's historical significance and contributions are remembered and celebrated.