House and Senate Leadership hold a Congressional Gold Medal presentation ceremony for the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
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00:00:06It's a beautiful spring afternoon.
00:00:07We're so happy to have you all.
00:00:09And I want to welcome my colleagues in Congress, of course,
00:00:13officials of the United States Army, distinguished guests.
00:00:17We're so happy to have you at the United States Capitol today.
00:00:20We are honored to be joined by over 300 descendants
00:00:24and family members of the 6888.
00:00:27Yeah.
00:00:30What a testament this is to the enduring impact of these remarkable women that we honor today.
00:00:44This ceremony reflects one of the highest and most cherished traditions of our republic,
00:00:50one that's a root stretch back all the way to General George Washington,
00:00:54Ulysses S. Grant, and the Wright brothers.
00:00:57The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor this body can bestow.
00:01:02It's reserved for those whose courage and service shaped our country and our nation's story.
00:01:09It's in this spirit that we gather to award this medal to the 688, 6888,
00:01:17the Central Post Directorate Battalion.
00:01:19Hi.
00:01:23I knew y'all were going to correct me.
00:01:27It's 6888.
00:01:28It's 6888.
00:01:29Okay.
00:01:30We call it the 6888.
00:01:32Okay.
00:01:33We try to be precise.
00:01:46Okay.
00:01:47This battalion was the first and the only unit of African American women to serve overseas during World War II.
00:01:53Yeah.
00:02:03As tens of thousands of Allied forces made their final push across Europe,
00:02:06the mail system was stretched thin from scarce resources.
00:02:10It was crippling under the weight of wartime logistics.
00:02:14Then, just as today, letters of home were very, very important.
00:02:18They were lifelines that grounded the soldiers.
00:02:21They reminded our brave heroes of all they were fighting for that was actually waiting back at home.
00:02:27Morale reports during the war underscore just how important mail was to the soldier's spirit.
00:02:32So much so that the phrase, no mail, low morale, became widespread.
00:02:38It was later adopted by the Army as the official motto of the 6888.
00:02:42Yet, for all the importance of mail, millions of undelivered letters piled up in dark warehouses across Europe.
00:02:50And those letters might well have stayed there were it not for the work of the women that we celebrate today.
00:02:56Under, that's right.
00:03:06Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Early.
00:03:09The battalion, all right.
00:03:14The battalion deployed to England and got to work on the backlog.
00:03:29They worked in three shifts around the clock, day in and day out,
00:03:33to sort through the literal mountains of mail that had accumulated.
00:03:37All while navigating troop movements that turned on a dime, incomplete addresses,
00:03:42illegible writing, and thousands of soldiers who shared the same name.
00:03:47Listen to this.
00:03:48This is just one example, okay?
00:03:49My name is Mike Johnson, right?
00:03:50At this time, I know, it's sad.
00:03:53At this time, Michael was the ninth most popular name,
00:04:00and Johnson was one of the top five surnames.
00:04:03So my staff did the math.
00:04:05They said, sir, it's pretty safe to assume that roughly 30,000 Mike Johnson served in World War II.
00:04:10And that's enough to fill Fenway Park, okay?
00:04:14Now, just imagine the challenge that these ladies had.
00:04:17They were trying to get the right letter to the right soldier,
00:04:19and that's the kind of challenge that they faced.
00:04:22With great ingenuity, they maintained a tracking system of 7 million ID cards
00:04:27to solve the issue of soldiers sharing names.
00:04:30They didn't have all the high-tech gadgets that we have today.
00:04:33They had to do it manually.
00:04:35Processing roughly 65,000 pieces of mail per shift,
00:04:39they cleared the entire backlog in no less than three months.
00:04:44That's right.
00:04:54Listen to this.
00:04:55By the war's end, the 6888 had sorted over 17 million pieces of mail.
00:05:01They got the job done, even in the face of inadequate supplies,
00:05:05and even in the face of discrimination, both within the Army and back home.
00:05:11These women were valiant members of our greatest generation.
00:05:15Artists, academics, athletes, women who went on to pursue higher education,
00:05:20to build families, to buy homes, and shaped the very foundation of the American middle class.
00:05:26We remember women like Margaret Sayles, who enlisted on her 20th birthday.
00:05:30Okay?
00:05:37She enlisted on her 20th birthday, and she had dreams of pursuing music and teaching.
00:05:41We remember women like Ro-May Davis, who, okay?
00:05:50She used the GI Bill to attend fashion school, and decades later earned her black belt in her 70s.
00:05:56Okay?
00:05:58Tough ladies.
00:06:02We also, of course, remember the incomparable Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adam Zerley,
00:06:05who guided her unit.
00:06:12She faced all those challenges.
00:06:13She guided her unit with unshakable grace and resolve.
00:06:18And even after earning her degree in mathematics, Latin, and physics,
00:06:22she returned to her studies after the war, and she said this famously, quote,
00:06:26after handling 885 women, any course in college would be a cinch.
00:06:32We're blessed that two members of the 6888 are still with us today watching from home.
00:06:39Watching from home.
00:06:41They are, and we want to salute them from here in the chamber.
00:06:53Fannie McClendon, who hails from my home state of Louisiana.
00:06:58All right.
00:07:05She went on to serve her country as a major in the Air Force.
00:07:09Oh, that's right.
00:07:15We also have Anna Mae Robertson watching at home.
00:07:18Okay?
00:07:19Just last month, she celebrated her 101st birthday.
00:07:30Okay?
00:07:37Miss Anna Mae, you got a big group here, okay?
00:07:40These women, and the entire 6888, are great American patriots.
00:07:45Loyal to a nation that, for far too long, failed to return that favor.
00:07:50And I'm glad to say that that's changing, and we're doing that here today.
00:07:54This remarkable story has rightly captured imaginations that has now inspired books and movies,
00:08:00stirred the conscience of millions of Americans who are just now hearing and sharing this incredible story.
00:08:05Today, here in the People's House, we add to that story.
00:08:08So, thank you all for being here.
00:08:11We are honored to host you and to celebrate these exceptional women.
00:08:15God bless you.
00:08:16Ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the presentation of the colors by the United States Army Color Guard from the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard.
00:08:32The performance of our national anthem by the United States Army Band, Pershing's Own Brass Quintet, and the retiring of the colors.
00:08:38The eastço seems to be on the coast, again.
00:08:39Nice to see you.
00:08:40the stream with foggy stones Taylor.
00:08:41BeautifulıtĆbym
00:08:42superheroes
00:08:43Watch your notes
00:08:45semvideo
00:08:47Our Gospel WEISS
00:08:50Watch your notes
00:08:53Watch your notes
00:08:56Watch your notes
00:08:58Watchăă,
00:08:59Watch your notes
00:09:01Watch your notes
00:09:03ĐŽĐ”ŃĐ”ĐČ Indiana
00:09:04Watch
00:09:06Watchiler
00:09:07Cut, cut, cut.
00:09:12Cards, pull.
00:09:16Cards, present, on.
00:09:37By the dawn's early light,
00:09:42What so proudly we hailed
00:09:47At the twilight's last gleaming,
00:09:52Whose broad stripes and bright stars
00:09:57Through all the perilous fight
00:10:02By the ramparts we watched
00:10:07Were so gallantly streaming
00:10:12And the rocket's red glare
00:10:17The bombs bursting in air
00:10:21Gave so long through the night
00:10:26That our flag was still there
00:10:31And stayed as a star-spangled banner
00:10:38At the twilight's last gleaming
00:10:43Of the land of the brave
00:10:50And the home of the brave
00:10:58Cards, right shoulder, on.
00:11:03Cards, right shoulder, on.
00:11:08Cards, right shoulder, on.
00:11:13Cards, colors turn, march.
00:11:17Cards, eyes, now.
00:11:24Cards, eyes, now.
00:11:30Cards, eyes, now.
00:11:36Ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing for the education
00:11:42by Dr. Francis Toney Murphy-Draper, CEO and publisher of Afro-American Newspaper.
00:11:56Shall we pray? Eternal God, sovereign and sustainer,
00:12:01we bow our heads and lift our hearts today in awe and gratitude.
00:12:07In this hallowed place where history is remembered and sacrifice honored,
00:12:12we pause to commemorate a long overdue recognition,
00:12:16the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion.
00:12:22We give thanks for the 855 courageous black women, soldiers, sisters, daughters,
00:12:29mothers, and wives who served with the 6888.
00:12:34In 1945, God, they crossed oceans and broke barriers.
00:12:38Amid the devastation of war under unimaginable conditions,
00:12:42cold, dark, rat-infested warehouses with bombs overhead and morale crumbling,
00:12:48they brought order, hope, and human connection.
00:12:51They sorted millions of pieces of mail,
00:12:54but even more profoundly, they reconnected hearts across oceans,
00:12:59reminding weary soldiers that they were not forgotten.
00:13:02From every corner of our nation they came,
00:13:05including proud daughters of my home state of Maryland,
00:13:08such as my own aunt, Vashti Turley Murphy-Matthews,
00:13:12who alongside her sisters-in-arms showed the world
00:13:15what faith, courage, and determination could achieve
00:13:18when given the chance to serve.
00:13:21Lord, we thank you for President Joe Biden,
00:13:24whose signature affirmed this honor,
00:13:27and for the steadfast leadership of Representative Gwen Moore,
00:13:30Senator Jerry Moran, and Senator Jackie Rosen,
00:13:34whose bipartisan commitment made this historic day possible.
00:13:38May their example inspire continued efforts to honor truth,
00:13:44justice, and sacrifice.
00:13:46Today we lift up the families, those gathered here,
00:13:50and those carrying this legacy across generations.
00:13:53May this moment bring healing, affirmation, and pride.
00:13:58May it remind us that no act of valor is ever forgotten,
00:14:03and no story of sacrifice should ever go untold.
00:14:06Bless the Congress and grant its members wisdom, humility,
00:14:11and moral clarity as they serve the people of this nation,
00:14:16and bless these United States of America,
00:14:19made stronger, richer, and more equitable because of women
00:14:24like those of the 6888.
00:14:26And it's in your name that we pray,
00:14:29and the people of God said,
00:14:31we worship you and your daughter.
00:14:38Amen.
00:14:39Please be seated.
00:14:43Ladies and gentlemen, the Honorable Jake Letourner,
00:14:46former United States Representative from the 2nd District of Kansas.
00:14:56Mr. Speaker, distinguished guests, friends,
00:14:59I am so humbled to be here today for this celebration and that's what this is
00:15:05is a long overdue celebration for some very brave women in our history. As has
00:15:12been said here today the women of the 6888 deserve to be honored with the
00:15:16highest civilian award Congress can give. In a time of war and in a world that
00:15:22questioned both their worth and their capability, this all-black, all-female
00:15:28battalion answered their nation's call with courage, dignity and excellence.
00:15:33They understood that they were integral to our nation's success, that the millions
00:15:38of pieces of mail they sorted had an enormous impact on the morale of our
00:15:42soldiers and they have not received the recognition that they deserve. This is
00:15:50not just about a medal though, this is about cementing their rightful place in
00:15:54history and I'm pleased to be a very small part of that. I want to thank
00:15:58Senator Moran, Senator Rosen, Representative Moore for their hard work in making sure
00:16:05that this day is possible. May the legacy of the 6888 continue to inspire us every
00:16:11single day and encourage us to build a nation ever worthy of their sacrifice.
00:16:17Thank you and God bless you.
00:16:27Ladies and gentlemen, the Honorable Gwen Moore, United States Representative from the
00:16:314th District of Wisconsin.
00:16:42Mr. Speaker, the early family, Armed Forces, I want to especially speak of Colonel Edna Cummings
00:16:53that you'll be hearing from shortly, honored guests, colleagues, all who are gathered here.
00:17:01It is such a privilege to be standing here in Emancipation Hall, a sacred place and it is fitting for
00:17:11a location for this ceremony. The Capitol, the Emancipation Hall, is named for the
00:17:20enslaved laborers that played a crucial and often overlooked role in the construction of
00:17:27this Capitol and they were excluded from the very freedom that it embodies. The lengthy
00:17:35process of constructing the U.S. Capitol relied upon free and enslaved laborers at every step. For
00:17:43example, slaves augmented a number of projects, perhaps most notably the statute of freedom that is
00:17:54atop the U.S. Capitol dome and is owed in part to the label and skill of enslaved artisan Philip Reed.
00:18:02But, of course, their contributions went unhidden and unrecognized. But now we have a plaque here,
00:18:11and this very hall really recognizes the labor of those folks. And today, indeed, the 6888 Battalion were these
00:18:26unsung sheroes who served their country. And they did it because they were patriotic, not because they
00:18:36thought that they would ever get any recognition. And now, 80 years later, after they were deployed to
00:18:42Europe, this ceremony is a fitting end to a long journey to make sure that we do not forget their service.
00:18:51And none of them, none of them did it for glory. They did it for the love of country. And, you know,
00:19:04the story reminds us so much that while there's much that divides our country today, there's even more
00:19:13that joins us together. And like a commitment to service, a commitment to doing something bigger
00:19:21than yourself, to live voluntarily, to go into service in a war zone, even in the face of segregation
00:19:30at home. We want to thank the women of the 6888 from all over the nation, the 855 women who served
00:19:40for their service. They're women, like my constituent, who is still alive, a young 101 years old,
00:19:48private Anna Mae Robertson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I first got to know Anna Mae Robertson,
00:20:04because she's the mother of a friend of mine that I went to college with. And she's also a constituent.
00:20:12And my office was contacted to look for some of the service medals that they thought she most
00:20:18certainly deserved. And as I got these service medals, I realized what a tremendous, remarkable,
00:20:25and unknown story the 6888 was. And that history lived right there in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
00:20:36And as I worked to prepare these remarks, I had to think further about how this evolved.
00:20:44I had to think further about how this evolved. Her daughter, Cherie Robertson, very dear friend of
00:20:49mine, wrote me a letter. And I'm quoting from Cherie's letter. Quote,
00:20:55by sponsoring the bill for the Congressional Gold Medal, you will be ensuring that the contributions
00:21:02and sacrifices made by the women who served in the 6888 Central Post and Battalion will not go
00:21:10unnoticed and will be appreciated by future generations. Unquote. And you've heard about the
00:21:17obstacles that these bear and various cold, freezing weather wrecks. But they put duty first. And in the
00:21:26days before cell phones, emails, texts, Instagram, you can only imagine how important getting a letter
00:21:35from home was and as it sustained our young men in the theater of war. I want to quote from an obituary
00:21:47that appeared in the Niagara Gazette, May 21st, 2021, of the 6888. Their work was more than sorting mail.
00:21:59It was ministering to the souls of soldiers, making sure they received that little piece of home
00:22:07that reminded them that they were not forgotten. Ergo, the motto, no mail, low morale.
00:22:15And as I hurry to a close, I want to thank Representative Jake LaTurner. I remember when I
00:22:21tracked you down in the Republican cloakroom to be my co-sponsor. I remember dogging all of the
00:22:30generals in the house, cussing, you better damn well help me get some signatures.
00:22:37Senator Jerry Moran, and of course, my good friend, Senator Jackie Rosen,
00:22:53for spearheading this legislation in the Senate. And I also would be remiss if I didn't mention
00:23:00a person who helped me write these remarks and didn't put his name in here,
00:23:05my legislative director, Chris Golson, who was dogged about getting the signatures.
00:23:11It took us seven years to get this done.
00:23:16And of course, you're going to hear from amazing people like retired Army Colonel Edna Cummings and
00:23:23Carlton Dillpot, many others that I can't name, who picked up the phone to make calls and send emails
00:23:31to get us to this point. As one reporter noted in one of the many stories about these remarkable women,
00:23:40quote, the 6888 was an experiment, a pass-fail test to determine the value black women brought to the
00:23:54military. And let me say today, all of us bear witness to their impeccable, remarkable performance,
00:24:04their commitment to freedom. And that's why we're able to gather here today in Emancipation Hall,
00:24:12and, you know, to celebrate their legacy. Thank you so much.
00:24:28Ladies and gentlemen, the Honorable Jackie Rosen, United States Senator from Nevada.
00:24:43Well, good afternoon. Welcome everyone. Mr. Speaker, the leaders, senators, my dear friend,
00:24:49Gwen Moore, you have motivated us to do all of this. My friends in Congress, members of the military,
00:24:55families and friends. And for those watching, the few survivors who are watching us today,
00:25:01thank you, thank you, thank you. Because we are thrilled to be here, all of us together,
00:25:08to celebrate the incredible women of the 6888.
00:25:12And these brave women, over 800 strong, made up the only all-black, all-woman unit deployed overseas
00:25:26during World War II, and that should be applauded.
00:25:36Again, to Congresswoman Moore, and I'm proud to work with Senator Moran,
00:25:39our partners all across both houses, to make sure that the 6888 Central Postal
00:25:47Directory Battalion got the recognition that they truly and rightfully deserve,
00:25:51with the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress's highest civilian honor.
00:25:58I got involved with these efforts, these heroes, especially because of the women who called
00:26:04my state of Nevada home. Women like Corporal Mabel Nevels, women like Corporal Alberta Bradley,
00:26:14and women like Corporal Lena King, who later in her life came to call Nevada home.
00:26:21And it was Corporal King's story that motivated me to make sure that these heroic women, these heroic
00:26:27women got the recognition that they deserved. And even though she is no longer with us,
00:26:34she is with us in spirit, her heroism remains, her spirit and her legacy intact.
00:26:43All of these trailblazing women, they not only answered the call to serve their country,
00:26:48but they did so in the face of incredible challenges of the time, like racism and sexism.
00:26:56And their mission sounds like a simple one, just to deliver the mail, right?
00:27:02But to distribute mail and clear a massive backlog of 17 million letters and packages,
00:27:08it was a tremendous feat. And it was critical. It was critical. This mail was the only connection
00:27:15that our troops had to home that they had to family. It was their light in the darkness and the loneliness of war.
00:27:25So for the heroes that were risking their lives on the front line, this mail, the mail that they so
00:27:31carefully worked 24 hours a day to figure out where it went and who it went to, they knew it would bring
00:27:40them joy. It would bring them hope. And it would bring them their humanity.
00:27:48And despite the many challenges, the women of the 6888 cleared that backlog and half the time expected.
00:27:55Their speed, their precision, their dedication remained true to their motto as expressed by Corporal King,
00:28:01no mail, low morale. For decades, their service went largely unrecognized,
00:28:08hidden in the margins of history. And that changes today. Today, they are no longer hidden.
00:28:17We stand up for the 6888.
00:28:19And let this medal at this time in this place, Emancipation Hall and this moment stand as a permanent
00:28:37reminder that courage knows no color, that strength knows no gender, and patriotism knows no bounds.
00:28:47So on behalf of a grateful nation, to the families, the descendants, the friends, and the loved ones,
00:28:57the women of 6888, we thank you for your service. And we so, we are so proud to honor you here today.
00:29:08You have our eternal gratitude. Thank you.
00:29:19Ladies and gentlemen, the Honorable Jerry Moran, United States Senator from Kansas.
00:29:23Ladies and gentlemen, Americans, congressional leaders, Representative Letourner and Representative
00:29:37Gwen Moore and my colleague from the Senate, Senator Jackie Rosen, it is a privilege of a lifetime
00:29:44to stand in front of you today to pay tribute and respect to the women of the 6888.
00:29:54The World War II heroes we recognize today were freedom fighters who set aside the safety
00:30:01and comfort of their home to deploy to Europe to support and fight tyranny, to support freedom,
00:30:13which they didn't always experience in their own country.
00:30:17These women came from all over our nation. They came from all walks of life.
00:30:22I suppose in many ways we'd say they were just average Americans. But these average Americans were something more than just average.
00:30:35At every time in every generation, we need role models. We need role models today.
00:30:44We can only strive and hope that we can earn in our own lifetime the respect
00:30:51that these women earned and deserve in their lifetimes. The women of the Army Corps Central Postal
00:31:01Directory Battalion, as we now are certain we know, the women of the 6888,
00:31:08are soldiers who went above and beyond their duty. They broke barriers that should never have existed
00:31:16and defied odds that were stacked against them. Their commitment and determined efforts to eliminate
00:31:25a backlog of mail touched the lives of millions of American soldiers and their families at home.
00:31:32For American soldiers on the front line, messages from home, they provided comfort and a reminder
00:31:39for the people back home that they were fighting for. For the families back home, the letters gave them comfort
00:31:46and a level of certainty that their loved ones were alive and may be well.
00:31:53Written words of encouragement, love and hope offered glimpses of what life could be like when they returned home.
00:31:59What all of us want in our life, at most times in our life, is hope. And letters from home provided hope,
00:32:08hope to return to, life of love and family. Tucked away in pockets of soldiers, the letters from home gave
00:32:16them the strength, the strength to push forward to achieve their mission.
00:32:21The 6888 is especially important to me as the son, the son of a World War II veteran who left his new bride
00:32:30in Emporia, Kansas, to fight in Europe. I don't know if any of the letters between my mom and dad
00:32:39passed through the hands of the 6888, but I do know that the work they did made it possible for millions
00:32:47of young men like my dad to keep up the fight. When these women returned home, there was no parade
00:32:55to greet them. No one lined the streets to thank them for their service. That ain't right. And we're trying to
00:33:02correct it today. Many returned to their daily lives only with the stories of their service in World War II.
00:33:13In 2018, I had the honor to meet five of these exceptional women, including Dolores Ruddock,
00:33:23and at the dedication of the ceremony of the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion
00:33:29Monument at the Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park in Leavenworth, Kansas.
00:33:35A day I will never forget, and a day that caused me to think what more could we do to show our gratitude.
00:33:49Those ladies that I met, all in their 90s, these five women that came to Fort Leavenworth,
00:33:57they braved our Kansas winner to see a memorial built in their honor.
00:34:04Three years later, I attended the funeral of Dolores, and I'm grateful she lived to see the
00:34:10memorial in Kansas built to her honor, and I regret she didn't live to see today's ceremony.
00:34:19I'm grateful I could introduce the Congressional Gold Medal Act.
00:34:22I introduced it in the Senate to bestow this honor upon the 6888, and I'm saddened that we
00:34:29weren't able to express our gratitude more quickly to the women while they were still living.
00:34:36You know, I indicated that Dolores was able to see a monument built in her honor.
00:34:44Shortly before the World War II Memorial was to be dedicated, I put on my running shoes and walked
00:34:49to the World War II Memorial, and when I got there, I arrived and looked for the Kansas pillar.
00:34:59And I stepped away and used my flip phone to call my dad at home in Plainville, Kansas.
00:35:06And I was lucky because the voicemail, the answering machine, picked up.
00:35:11I probably wouldn't have said what I said on the voicemail on the answering machine
00:35:14if he had answered the phone himself. But I said, Dad, I'm at the World War II Memorial.
00:35:21Dad, this memorial was built in your honor. Dad, I want you to know that I respect you.
00:35:29I thank you for your service. And Dad, I love you.
00:35:33I walked back to my office and my phone rang. It was my dad. And he said, Gerald?
00:35:45And I said, Dad? He said, you left me a message, but I couldn't understand it. Would you repeat it?
00:35:52I'm no longer able to repeat that message to my own dad. But I've tried in my time as a member of the
00:36:04House of Representatives and as a United States Senator to honor, respect, and meet our obligations
00:36:12to those who served our nation. To Fannie McClendon and Anna Mae Robertson, who represent really 850
00:36:27women who served along their side on behalf and on behalf of a grateful nation. This nation needs to
00:36:38learn to be grateful. But to be on behalf of a grateful nation and on behalf of my mom and dad.
00:36:48I thank you for your service. I respect you. And I love you.
00:36:53Ladies and gentlemen, the United States Army Band Pershing Zone, Brass Quintet performing Song of the Women's Army Corps.
00:37:20If the task at hand is an army command, and the deadline is zero hour. If the way is rough, and the odds are tough, and the need is for all of care.
00:37:40And if every day brings a challenge our way, no matter what the score, count the mission, one for the double great man, five women's army corps.
00:37:57And our own statue of liberty shows what we've swore to say.
00:38:15Shout the word around, let the echo resound, on every distant shore.
00:38:23Wither be so war, there's a leader for more, for the women's army corps.
00:38:32Ladies and gentlemen, the Honorable Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Leader of the United States House of Representatives.
00:38:52The Honorable Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Leader of the United States House of Representatives.
00:39:02Good afternoon.
00:39:03Good afternoon.
00:39:04This is the day that the Lord has made.
00:39:07Amen.
00:39:08And we're here to rejoice.
00:39:10Amen.
00:39:11And be glad in it.
00:39:13Amen.
00:39:14To Colonel Edna W. Cummings, Mr. Stanley Early III, Mrs. Judith Early, Dr. Murphy, the families of our heroes,
00:39:27Speaker Johnson, Leader Thune, Leader Schumer, members of Congress, certainly to Congresswoman Gwen Moore,
00:39:37Congressman Jake Letourner, Senator Rosen, Senator Moran, and all those assembled.
00:39:43It's a high honor and a distinct privilege to join you all today as we recognize the extraordinary women
00:39:54and the extraordinary accomplishments of the Six Triple Eight.
00:40:00In 1945, the 855 members of the Six Triple Eight, the largest group of black women to serve overseas,
00:40:12during World War II, deployed to Europe during one of the most difficult periods in American history.
00:40:23Led by Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Early, the daughter of a preacher, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
00:40:37I figured that would generate some type of reaction.
00:40:42And the highest ranking black woman officer at the time.
00:40:46These fiercely passionate, patriotic, and persistent members of the Women's Army Corps, deployed knowing that they would confront the dual challenges of racism and sexism at the hands of their own military and beyond.
00:41:06Tenant Colonel Early once stated,
00:41:11When I talk to students, they say,
00:41:14How did it feel to know you were making history?
00:41:19And then she responded,
00:41:21But you don't know you're making history when it's happened.
00:41:25I just wanted to do my job.
00:41:29And what a job well done by the Six Triple Eight.
00:41:32They were given six months to do what others could not, in a war zone, with bombs dropping above and horrific warehouse conditions.
00:41:51But with their life-saving and life-sustaining battle cry of,
00:41:56No male, low morale.
00:41:59That's M-A-I-L.
00:42:05Not M-A-L-E.
00:42:10Don't want anybody to get it twisted.
00:42:12No male, low morale.
00:42:16They defied the odds and cleared millions of pieces of mail.
00:42:23And years of backlog in only three months.
00:42:26Record time.
00:42:28Record time.
00:42:30We gather today to salute these mighty veterans.
00:42:37We salute the ingenuity with which they sprang into battle.
00:42:42We salute the barriers that they broke in a system designed to push them aside.
00:42:47We salute their trailblazing spirit and the road that they paved for others.
00:42:53We especially honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, including Private First Class Mary Bankston from New York.
00:43:04Mary was killed in a vehicle accident, along with two other members of the unit,
00:43:16when the War Department wouldn't provide funds for their burial.
00:43:23The heroes of the 6888 took up a collection to pay for their caskets and themselves laid their sisters to rest.
00:43:35That's the spirit.
00:43:39The soulfulness.
00:43:41The sisterhood of the 6888.
00:43:44We reject any efforts now to erase this history, and that is why this bipartisan ceremony is so particularly important.
00:43:59The women of the 6888 overcame the odds, disproved the doubters, and courageously contributed to the Allied victory in World War II.
00:44:13Their efforts help freedom prevail over fascism, and that is why they are so worthy to be praised.
00:44:22We are forever indebted to them for their honorable service.
00:44:26And as a result of this gold medal ceremony, we forever will ensure that they will never, ever be hidden figures again.
00:44:40God bless you.
00:44:41God bless you.
00:44:42God bless the 6888.
00:44:43May God continue to bless the United States of America.
00:44:47the United States of America.
00:44:57Ladies and gentlemen, the honorable Charles E. Schumer, Democratic Leader of the United States Senate.
00:45:04To Mr. Stanley Early, Colonel Edna Cummings, my colleagues in the Senate and the House,
00:45:18to Senators Moran and Rosen, Congressmembers Moore and LeTurner, but most of all, the relatives,
00:45:26friends, supporters of the great, and now properly remembered, Six Triple Eight.
00:45:41From 1943 to 1945, 2,000 acres of once quiet New York farmland operated as the busiest military
00:45:55embarkation camp in the world.
00:46:00Nearly 1.3 million soldiers passed through Camp Shanks before crossing the Atlantic to join
00:46:08the war in Europe, including the women of the Six Triple Eight Central Postal Directory, the
00:46:16only black all-female unit to serve abroad in all of World War II.
00:46:25Today, today, we honor the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed
00:46:33by Congress to the trailblazing women of the Six Triple Eight.
00:46:38And by now, we all know the stories of their heroics, their great heroics.
00:46:46How they sorted millions of pieces of mail in record time, making sure soldiers received
00:46:51their letters and packages from back home, but also how they overcame doubt and discrimination
00:46:59to get the job done.
00:47:01How they lifted the morale of an entire army fighting for freedom.
00:47:07But before they could do any of this, they had to fight for even the opportunity to serve.
00:47:16At the time, black women had just recently been granted the ability to join the Women's Army
00:47:20Corps.
00:47:22Those who did were forced to train in harsh conditions, to live in segregated barracks, and were routinely
00:47:31assigned menial tasks like janitorial duties.
00:47:38Still, they persisted.
00:47:41They showed up every single day with dignity, discipline, and a dogged determination to serve.
00:47:49When the opportunity finally came for the women of the Six Triple Eight, they answered the call
00:47:55and changed the course of history.
00:48:05They took on a mission that many others deemed impossible.
00:48:09They carried the weight of an entire army on their shoulders.
00:48:13And they illustrated that American heroes come from all walks of life, regardless of gender,
00:48:20regardless of race.
00:48:24So today, with this long overdue award, the Six Triple Eight will take their rightful place
00:48:31in the pantheon of America's greatest wartime heroes.
00:48:37Their legacy, once overlooked, will now endure for generations to come.
00:48:44So God bless the Triple Eight, the Six Triple Eight.
00:48:49God bless our women and men in uniform.
00:48:51And God bless the United States of America.
00:48:54This is a great day for our country.
00:48:59God bless the United States of America.
00:49:06Ladies and gentlemen, the Honorable Jack Thune, Majority Leader of the United States Senate.
00:49:11Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker, Leader Schumer, Senators Moran and Rosen, Congressman Le Turner, Congressman Moore.
00:49:28No mail, no morale.
00:49:33As has already been said, it was the model of the Six Triple Eight.
00:49:38For my dad and the millions of other Americans who served overseas during World War II, there were no emails, no FaceTimes, no Zooms, no phone calls.
00:49:52My Uncle Gibb was at Pearl Harbor when it was hit on December 7th in 1941, and my grandparents didn't know for days whether he was alive or dead.
00:50:03Letters were the only connection to home.
00:50:07In the absence of those letters, that was a real blow to soldiers already facing constant strain and danger.
00:50:14In early 1945, the mail situation was a big problem.
00:50:20Warehouses in Birmingham, England were filled with a backlog of 17 million pieces of mail.
00:50:26It was estimated that clearing that backlog would take six months.
00:50:31The women of the Six Triple Eight Central Postal Directive Battalion, the only all-black and women of color Women's Army Corps unit to serve overseas during World War II, arrived in Birmingham in February, and boy did they get to work.
00:50:52And despite often dismal working conditions and practical challenges, there were, for example, 7,500 Americans named Robert Smith.
00:51:04Within three months, they had cleared the backlog.
00:51:08Three months.
00:51:10Half the time estimated for the task.
00:51:15Three months.
00:51:16The story.
00:51:17Three months.
00:51:18A story.
00:51:19A professionalism.
00:51:20And excellence.
00:51:21And determination worthy.
00:51:22Of being remember- remembered all on its own.
00:51:25But there's more to it than that.
00:51:29Because these women accomplished their task in the face of challenges, no battalion of white men, or even white women for that matter, would have had to face.
00:51:42In addition to the ordinary trials of their service, they faced racism, segregation, hostility, and prejudice.
00:51:53But they did their jobs anyway.
00:51:55And for these trailblazing women and their exceptional commander, Major Charity Adams, deserve to be doubly remembered.
00:52:06It is an honor to be here today to witness the 6888 receive this recognition.
00:52:15And I hope that this medal and this presentation today will bring additional attention to their historic story.
00:52:25On behalf of the Grateful Nation, thank you.
00:52:36Ladies and gentlemen, the Honorable Mike Johnson, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
00:52:46All right.
00:52:47So the moment we've all been waiting for.
00:52:51As we've heard today, the story of the 6888 has been buried in American history for quite some time.
00:52:57But we are grateful for the many descendants, historians, and advocates with us today who helped bring the legacy of this storied unit to light.
00:53:03Just last week, I was back home in Louisiana, and while I was there, I had the honor of meeting the oldest living World War II veteran.
00:53:11He lives in my district there.
00:53:13He just turned 106 years old.
00:53:17Yeah.
00:53:23He's sharp as a tack, and I asked him for his vitamin regimen, but that's another story.
00:53:27We gave him a Congressional Commendation Award, and it was the very least that I could do.
00:53:31I felt inadequate, but just giving him the certificate.
00:53:34But what we do today is so appropriate.
00:53:36I was reminded then, as I am now, that with each passing day, we are slowly losing our ties to this great generation of men and women.
00:53:44It is our responsibility and solemn duty as citizens to preserve this heritage, to ensure the heroism and bravery of our greatest generation are never forgotten.
00:53:55And it is a biblical admonition that all of us must give honor where honor is due.
00:54:02That's what we do today.
00:54:04So, for their distinguished service, I am proud our nation is finally giving the women of the 6888 the recognition they've long deserved.
00:54:11Today is our way of saying in no uncertain terms that their story will never be forgotten.
00:54:17And so, on behalf of a grateful nation, it is my honor to present the Congressional Gold Medal to this 6888.
00:54:25At this time, I will ask Leader Thune, Leader Schumer, Leader Jeffries, Senator Moran, Senator Rosen, Representative Moore, Representative Letourner, Colonel Edna Cummings, and Mr. Stanley Early III, and Ms. Judith Early to please join me here in the front of the stage for the presentation of the medals.
00:56:37Payton.
00:56:38Payton on the third.
00:56:40Son of Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Erling.
00:56:42All right.
00:57:10Mr. Speaker, members of Congress, sponsors of the bill, families of the 6888, and all of the guests here.
00:57:26On behalf of the friends and families and all those connected with the 6888, I wish to give my most sincere thanks to the Congress of the United States for this great honor to the women of the battalion.
00:57:40I wanted to say a couple brief remarks.
00:57:48While representation is important, it is important after excellence.
00:57:53And I have, and I'm more of a math person than a word person.
00:58:00I think a few of you know me, and that's kind of true.
00:58:03And we've talked about, people have talked about what the 6888 did.
00:58:08And I'm going to talk a little more about the numbers, the 17 million pieces of mail, the 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and in 90 days.
00:58:18But if you do that, and you multiply it, or rather divide it, you wind up with one letter or package going out on average every four-tenths of a second for 9888.
00:58:32No computers, no optical scanners, no sorting machines, all done by hand.
00:58:38These soldiers exemplified determination in the face of adversity and demonstrated the ability to go beyond what was thought to be possible.
00:58:50They overcame major obstacles to exceed success and made a substantial difference to the Army.
00:58:57They served as an inspiring role model for young soldiers entering service today, and they're true examples of American excellence.
00:59:07The Congressional Gold Medal has reinforced the principle that those who dedicate themselves fully, regardless of race or gender, can be recognized at the highest levels, and above all, that excellence matters.
00:59:25Finally, I do have a request.
00:59:27Please help us to ensure that the story of the 6888 and the honors and the recognition that they receive are protected and remembered for future generations.
00:59:41Ladies and gentlemen, Colonel Edna W. Cummings, United States Army Retired and author of A Soldier's Life, A Black Woman's Wrath from the Army Practice 6668 Champion.
01:00:05Oh my gosh, how exciting.
01:00:07Mr. Speaker, our Senate and House co-sponsors, members of Congress, families, distinguished guests, I am more than honored to be with you today to present the
01:00:306888 with our nation's highest civilian award, the long-awaited, much sought-after Congressional Gold Medal.
01:00:39And the 6888 is now listed among the less than 200 recipients since General George Washington first received it in 1776.
01:00:54Eight decades after the 6888 returned from the war, we now commend these soldiers who did four things.
01:01:04They exceeded performance standards, succeeded what others failed, restored reliable mail service, and connected loved ones to the front lines.
01:01:13So it was more than the mail.
01:01:15And more importantly, World War II was a time when the entire nation came together to defend America.
01:01:23I would really like to acknowledge First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune because Dr.
01:01:38Bethune was also an honorary general in the Women's Army for National Defense.
01:01:44Together, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt opened a path for service and encouraged women to serve our nation.
01:01:52And as a result, hundreds of thousands of women answered their call, including the 6888.
01:01:59Women of all races throughout the U.S., throughout our territories answered the nation's call to defend America.
01:02:11With 85% of the 6888 having college degrees or working as former school teachers, the 6888 were among the nation's most educated workforce.
01:02:25Armed with education and patriotism, they gave their all in return from the war and to their lives without fanfare.
01:02:33Many said that they did their jobs and came home.
01:02:36And the ones I talked to told me, Colonel, end of story.
01:02:40But I wouldn't accept that as the end of the story.
01:02:43And for most, the chapter of their lives did end.
01:02:47But until recent years, the story and impacts were seldom if ever told.
01:02:52And now, due to the tenacity of families and hundreds of supporters worldwide, the 6888's history is known internationally.
01:03:02To date, the Congressional Gold Medal, two post offices, museum exhibits, countless state and local resolutions, commemorative days, documentaries, street dedications in the U.S. and in France, blue plaques in the United Kingdom, a movie, books, and articles now cement the legacy of this remarkable military unit.
01:03:24And the 6888 not only restored vital communication, but this history has now restored the passion for service, as evidenced by young girls who now dress up as members of the 6888.
01:03:49But to members of Congress and your staff, I appreciate your hard work.
01:03:55You've answered my phone calls now for over seven years.
01:04:00But your hard work has resulted in us bestowing this honor upon the 6888.
01:04:06And I would like to offer the families a special thank you for sharing their personal stories.
01:04:11And to our supporters and veterans organizations worldwide who donated your time and resources to make today and many others possible.
01:04:20I would also like to acknowledge Ms. Sylvia Shuster Banks.
01:04:24She's the 95-year-old sister of 6888 veteran Gladys Shuster Carter.
01:04:30And we have some guests from the United Kingdom.
01:04:40Raise your hand.
01:04:44Who joined this today.
01:04:47And a few Montferport Marines.
01:04:51So in closing, I'd just like to say with my utmost respect, appreciation, and humility, please know that everyone in here, all of you, helped shape the enduring legacy of the 6888.
01:05:07Thank you so very much.
01:05:08Ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the benediction delivered by Dr. Barry C. Black, chaplain of the United States Senate.
01:05:33Let us pray.
01:05:35Eternal Lord God, who holds the world in your hands, thank you for this congressional gold medal.
01:05:51That honors, the 6888.
01:05:58That the 6888 validates for us
01:06:03The words of the poet
01:06:06Fleecy locks and dark complexion
01:06:11Cannot forfeit nature's claims
01:06:16Skin may differ but affection
01:06:19Dwells in black and white the same
01:06:24Were I so tall as to reach the pole
01:06:28Or to grasp the ocean at a span
01:06:33I must be measured by my soul
01:06:38The mind is the standard of the woman and man
01:06:45Now bless and keep us
01:06:50Make your face shine upon us
01:06:54And be gracious to us
01:06:57Lift the light of your countenance upon us
01:07:02And give us your shalom, your peace
01:07:07We pray in your sovereign name
01:07:12Amen
01:07:14Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's ceremony
01:07:20Thank you for joining us today
01:07:21Please enjoy the Good Times Roll by Ray Charles
01:07:24Performed by the United States Army Band Brass Quinton
01:07:26God dass Eisner
01:07:27Have a great day
01:07:27See you next time
01:07:29Join is free
01:07:31The Good Times ist
01:07:33Lor comic
01:07:35The Good Times
01:07:35When Legr ŃĐ°ĐŒĐ°
01:07:37bothers me
01:07:38Dear
01:07:39Simon
01:07:39Have a great day
01:07:39Please pray
01:07:40For hymn
01:07:42Dear
01:07:44Kne tirar
01:07:44our