Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) demanded that the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) immediately restore web pages honoring America’s military heroes, including the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, which was the only all-Black, all-female unit deployed overseas during World War II. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Ross passed into law legislation to rename a Raleigh post office after 6888th hero Millie Dunn Veasey.
The removal of these web pages is an affront to the service and sacrifice of all veterans, and it must be corrected without delay.
“We are alarmed that the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has removed dozens of pages dedicated to sharing the stories of our nation’s heroes, including the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, from some of its websites in response to President Trump’s executive orders relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policies. We strongly urge DOD to reinstate the wrongfully removed webpages in question and request clarification regarding the nature and purpose of their removal,” wrote Congresswoman Ross.
Ross continued, “Erasing this extraordinary legacy is an egregious betrayal of their service. Removing their stories is a shameful indication of your priorities and is disrespectful to all veterans, not just the members of the 6888th. This timing is especially egregious when the country is just starting to appreciate the story of the 6888th.”
The inspiring women who served with the 6888th sorted and delivered mail to soldiers, ensuring that they received vital letters from home. The unit adopted the phrase, "No mail, low morale." Among the women who served with the 6888th was Raleigh native Millie Dunn Veasey, a trailblazer who is remembered for her extraordinary service in World War II as well as her groundbreaking work during the Civil Rights Movement. Ms. Dunn Veasey’s exemplary military service is showcased in the new Netflix movie The Six Triple Eight.
Full text of the letter is available here.