ICYMI — Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives about her bipartisan bill to rename the post office located at 2777 Brentwood Road in Raleigh, North Carolina as the “Millie Dunn Veasey Post Office.” Honoring a WWII veteran and civil rights leader, the legislation has now passed the House and moves to the Senate for final approval before being signed into law.
To access the full floor speech, click here. A full transcript can be found below:
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Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It's an honor to speak in support of my bill naming the United States Postal Service facility at 2777 Brentwood Road in Raleigh after Staff Sergeant Millie Dunn Veasey.
This legislation pays tribute to the life and legacy of Millie Dunn Veasey, a remarkable woman whose contributions profoundly shape not only our local community, but our nation.
Ms. Dunn Veasey's legacy began when the U.S. Army assigned her to the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion as a typist.
The 6888 was the only African American Women's Army Corps Unit to operate overseas during the war. This group of pioneering women sorted and delivered mail to soldiers, ensuring that they received vital letters from home. The unit adopted the phrase, "No mail, low morale."
These courageous women knew the power that these letters held for the soldiers who received them. The women worked tirelessly to develop a new mailing system and began successfully processing up to 195,000 pieces of mail each day.
Ms. Dunn Veasey's courage and determination during this time was instrumental in the success of this mission, and the story of her service is one of trailblazing leadership in the face of adversity.
After the war, Ms. Dunn Veasey returned to Raleigh and took advantage of the GI Bill, enrolling in Saint Augustine’s University. She became active in the Civil Rights Movement, working as an organizer in Raleigh to push for integrated public spaces.
After serving our country honorably overseas, she came home and recommitted herself to the pursuit of justice and equality for all.
In 2018, Millie Dunn Veasey passed away at the age of 100 in her hometown of Raleigh and was buried with distinct honor at the Raleigh VA National Cemetery.
Today, we can ensure that her legacy to the Postal Service lives on and celebrate her place in history as a figure who changed our community and country for the better.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I yield back.