Bill > AJR211

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 groundbreaking World War II military unit composed of approximately 850 predominantly African American women who played a crucial role in managing military mail during the war. The resolution highlights the battalion's remarkable achievements, including sorting and redirecting 17.5 million pieces of mail in just three months, despite facing challenging conditions such as poor lighting, no heat, rodent infestations, racism, and sexism. The resolution specifically recognizes the 28 women from New Jersey who served in the unit, including Gladys Eva Debman-Blount from Newark, who was one of six surviving members to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. The Governor is requested to issue an annual proclamation calling on public officials and citizens to observe Six Triple Eight Day with appropriate programs and activities, thereby commemorating the unit's significant contributions and overcoming of substantial obstacles during World War II.