Turner and Burgess resolution honoring the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion signed into law
NEW JERSEY – A joint resolution spearheaded by Senator Shirley K. Turner and Senator Renee Burgess was signed into law Thursday by Governor Phil Murphy, officially designating May 18 each year as Six Triple Eight Day in New Jersey.
The commemoration pays tribute to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female unit deployed overseas during World War II, and honors the 28 pioneering women from New Jersey who proudly served in its ranks.
Comprising approximately 855 officers and enlisted women, the Six Triple Eight was deployed to Europe in early 1945 to confront a monumental logistical challenge: a multi-year backlog of over 17 million undelivered letters and parcels crucial to sustaining troop morale.
Operating under intense pressure in harsh and segregated conditions, the battalion was given six months to complete the assignment but through relentless effort and round-the-clock dedication, they cleared the backlog in just three months, completing it in half the time. Working in eight-hour shifts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, their unwavering commitment ensured the restoration of vital lines of communication between American troops and their families during a critical juncture in the war. Their guiding motto, “No Mail, Low Morale,” underscored the life-affirming nature of their work and their unshakable sense of patriotism.
The signing of this resolution is not just a ceremonial act. It is a restoration of history and dignity long denied,” said Senator Shirley Turner (D Mercer Hunterdon). “The women of the 6888th Battalion served with distinction in the face of racism, sexism, and unimaginable pressure. By enshrining Six Triple Eight Day into law, we ensure that their courage, their labor, and their legacy will never again be forgotten. Their patriotism shines as a beacon for all Americans.”
Following their success in England, the battalion was deployed to France where they again surpassed expectations. Yet upon returning to the United States and disbanding at Fort Dix less than a year later, they received little recognition. It was not until 2022 that President Biden awarded them the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation’s highest honors, finally giving national acknowledgment to their profound contributions.
New Jersey’s resolution SJR 149 places special emphasis on the 28 women from the state who served in the unit, ensuring their stories remain part of the state’s educational and cultural memory. The resolution aims to inspire generations to come with a message of resilience, service, justice, and patriotism.
For too long, the story of the Six Triple Eight was buried beneath the weight of historical omission,” said Senator Renee Burgess (D-Essex/Union). “These extraordinary women did not just sort mail. They delivered hope, connection, and humanity in a time of war. This day is about more than remembrance. It is about recognizing the power of Black women who made history by refusing to be erased from it.”
Honoring New Jersey’s Heroes
The resolution pays lasting tribute to the following 28 women from New Jersey who served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion:
- Velma Jerome Arkward
- Gladys Beatrice Avant
- Bernice Axam
- Dorothy Dale Birkhead
- Gladys Eva Blount
- Willamae Boatright
- Victoria Busby
- Lillian Butterfield
- Daisy Bell Dinkins
- Sylvia Gillis
- Hester Givens
- Ada Holley
- Johnita Alyse Johnson
- Lillian Willene Johnson
- Dolores Maime Johnson
- Edith Marguerite Linzey
- Vermeil Elmira McMillan
- Doretha Miller
- Queen Esther Moore
- Georgiana Morton
- Edith Frances Murray
- Caroline Elizabeth Smith
- Marjorie Randolph Suggs
- Catherine Turner
- Marion Van Orkey
- Breda Violet Williams
- Heather Riley Withers
- Lauretta Wray
A Statewide Celebration of Service
The first annual statewide commemoration of Six Triple Eight Day will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Allentown Methodist Cemetery, located at Hamilton and Broad Streets in Allentown, New Jersey. The event is hosted by The Allentown Village Initiative and will honor the 27 African American New Jersey women confirmed to have served in the 6888th Battalion. This historic gathering will highlight their vital role in delivering over 17 million pieces of backlogged mail to more than 7 million soldiers in just three months, an extraordinary feat that demonstrated not only their tenacity and excellence under pressure but also their profound patriotism and belief in service to country.
The public is invited to join in this meaningful celebration of courage, legacy, and service. For more information, call (609) 208-9991.
The annual observance will serve as a living reminder of the impact that determination, unity, and unsung service can have on the course of history and will ensure the story of the 6888th continues to inspire generations to come with a deep respect for the values of courage, equality, and patriotism.
