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New Jersey lawmakers are working to honor the women of the Six Triple Eight, the first and only battalion of women of color who served overseas during World War II. These women were part of the Women's Army Corps' 6888th Postal Directory Battalion, tasked with ensuring that mail reached the troops. Despite facing racism and sexism, they completed their mission ahead of schedule, clearing six airplane hangars full of mail in record time.
Almost 30 members of the battalion hailed from New Jersey, including Marian VanOrkey from Allentown on the Jersey Shore. The battalion's story is a source of pride for the small town, which is located just a short drive from the State House. Michael McCormick of the Allentown Village Initiative expressed the importance of sharing their story, saying, "We want them... to learn the story, to know, and be inspired by it."
A bill pending in the New Jersey State House seeks to designate May 18th as Six Triple Eight Day in the state. The bill has moved forward in the Assembly Veterans and Military Affairs committee and, if passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor, will formally recognize the contributions of these trailblazing women. Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy highlighted their impact, stating, "These trailblazing women broke barriers, demonstrated extraordinary resilience and dedication to our country" (PIX11).