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SJR 149

Memorials, Death - Mark Gwyn -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Randy McNally

Designates May 18 as Six Triple Eight Day in New Jersey to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion; prompts an annual governor proclamation and public commemorations.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · SJR 149

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution No. 149 (SJR 149) – Six Triple Eight Day in New Jersey

Note: SJR 149 has been substituted by AJR211 (ACS), the Assembly companion bill. The summary below reflects the Committee Substitute for SJR 149 as introduced in the Senate and the parallel Assembly action.

Purpose and intent

  • Designates May 18 of each year as “Six Triple Eight Day” in New Jersey to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (the Six Triple Eight), a predominantly African American, all-female unit of the U.S. Army that served overseas during World War II.
  • The designation is a commemorative designation intended to recognize the unit’s historic service, achievements, and the NJ connection to some members.

Key provisions

  1. Designation
    • May 18 of each year is designated in New Jersey as Six Triple Eight Day to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
  2. Proclamation
    • The Governor is respectfully requested to issue an annual proclamation urging public officials, residents, and interested groups to observe Six Triple Eight Day with appropriate programs and activities.
  3. Effective date
    • The joint resolution takes effect immediately.

Background and context (as stated in the bill)

  • World War II saw about 16 million U.S. personnel deployed; among them, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was the only predominantly African American, all-female unit sent overseas, consisting of roughly 850 personnel.
  • The unit arrived in Scotland (Feb. 12, 1945) and England (Mar. 4, 1945) to process and deliver backlogged mail, handling approximately 17.5 million parcels that had been stagnant for two to three years.
  • Conditions included working in poor environments (no heat, minimal lighting, rodent problems, mold), yet they completed their mail tasks in about three months, delivering to about seven million service members and civilian personnel.
  • The unit later completed a similar mission in France; they were disbanded in March 1946 at Fort Dix, New Jersey.
  • In 2022, President Biden signed legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the 6888th.
  • At least 28 New Jersey women served in the battalion; the bill lists several names and notes NJ-born Marion VanOrkey (Allentown, NJ) as a figure recognized in NJ history.

Who is affected

  • State of New Jersey residents and public officials, particularly organizations that participate in commemorative events.
  • Museums, schools, veterans groups, and local communities that may observe Six Triple Eight Day through programs and activities.
  • Public entities encouraged to participate in annual commemorations and educational efforts.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: January 30, 2025.
  • Reported from Senate Committee as a Substitute (2nd Reading): March 3, 2025.
  • Substituted by AJR211 (ACS) in the Assembly: March 24, 2025.
  • Related legislation: AJR 211 (companion bill in the Assembly).

Related bills

  • AJR 211 (ACS) — Assembly companion bill, carrying similar designation and commemorative intent.

Impact and implementation notes

  • The bill creates a ceremonial designation without creating new funding obligations or regulatory changes beyond the Governor’s annual proclamation and observance.
  • Aims to raise awareness of the Six Triple Eight’s contributions and NJ ties to the battalion, fostering public recognition and educational programming.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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