Bill
AJR 211
Designates May 18 as Six Triple Eight Day in New Jersey to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, with annual gubernatorial proclamations and public observances.
Bill: AJR 211 (Joint Resolution)
Status: Approved P.L.2025, JR.7 (enacted)
Introduced: January 27, 2025
Sponsor: Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (primary)
Companion: SJR 149
Purpose and intent
- Designate May 18 of each year as “Six Triple Eight Day” in New Jersey to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (Six Triple Eight), a predominantly African American and all-female unit of the United States Army that served overseas during World War II and successfully completed its mail-delivery mission under difficult circumstances.
Key provisions
1) Designation
- May 18 each year is designated as Six Triple Eight Day in New Jersey, to honor the Six Triple Eight’s service and accomplishments.
2) Proclamation
- The Governor is respectfully requested to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials, residents, and organizations to observe Six Triple Eight Day with appropriate programs and activities.
3) Effective date
- The resolution takes effect immediately.
Background and significance
- The Six Triple Eight was the only predominantly African American, all-female unit sent overseas in World War II, with about 850 personnel.
- They were tasked with redirecting and delivering a backlog of roughly 17.5 million mail parcels in Scotland and England, working under harsh conditions and overcoming racism and sexism.
- The unit completed its tasks in about three months, delivering millions of pieces of mail to seven million service members and civilian personnel.
- The battalion was later moved to France for a similar mission and was disbanded in March 1946 at Fort Dix, New Jersey.
- In 2022, President Biden signed legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
- At least 28 women from New Jersey served in the battalion; NJ-specific references in the bill highlight local connections (e.g., notable NJ members and the birthplace/date reference related to Marion VanOrkey).
Legislative actions and timeline
- 2025-01-27: Introduced in the Assembly, referred to Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
- 2025-03-17: Assembly Committee Substitute (ACS) reported out favorably.
- 2025-03-24: Passed Assembly (77-0-0); transmitted to Senate.
- 2025-03-24: Senate substituted for SJR149; passed Senate (39-0).
- 2025-05-08: Approved by both houses; enacted as P.L.2025, JR.7.
Impact and scope
- This is a ceremonial designation with the primary effect of recognizing and commemorating the Six Triple Eight’s history and NJ ties.
- Observance would be promoted through annual proclamations and related programs; no specific funding is identified in the bill.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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