Carrying the Mail: Honoring the Resilience of the 6888th Postal Battalion

As we stand on the threshold of a brand new yr, it’s a becoming time to replicate on the exceptional tales of those that got here earlier than us, particularly the brave girls of the 6888th Central Postal Listing Battalion, highlighted in Tyler Perry’s latest Netflix movie, The Six Triple Eight. Identical to the start of a brand new yr symbolizes recent begins and renewed willpower, the sacrifices and achievements of those girls resonate with the profound spirit of resilience and hope that usually accompanies this season. Think about these troopers throughout World Conflict II, awaiting letters from dwelling—a easy message that might elevate their spirits and remind them of the love and help ready again. Very like our hopes and objectives at the beginning of a brand new yr, these phrases carried immense significance.

cartoon drawing on envelope featuring a soldier receiving mail
“Mail!” Coloured pencil drawing on envelope. October 10, 1944. Robert Ok. Bindig Assortment. Library of Congress Veterans Historical past Mission.

The 6888th labored tirelessly to make sure that connection remained sturdy, overcoming adversity and prejudice to meet their mission. As we set our intentions for the yr forward, let’s take a web page from the lives of Alyce Dixon, Fannie Griffin McClendon and Violet Hill Gordon. They exemplified willpower and objective in even the hardest circumstances. Their journeys remind us that, simply as we collect our power to face our personal challenges, we can also forge connections and affect the lives of these round us.

Alyce Dixon: A Lifetime of Service

Alyce Dixon’s journey is especially hanging. She recollects the tough realities of their service—bitter chilly, the fixed menace of enemy fireplace—however by means of all of it, she held onto a way of objective. “We had been in a overseas land, however we had been there for a objective. Irrespective of how arduous it acquired, we knew we had been wanted,” she mentioned. Her phrases remind us that even in adversity, we are able to discover our power.

Fannie Griffin McClendon: A Decided Spirit

Fannie Griffin McClendon’s perspective brings you proper into the guts of the battalion’s expertise. She shares the lengthy hours spent sorting by means of mail and the emotional weight they carried:

“We needed to get that mail out, it doesn’t matter what. Troopers had been ready for letters from dwelling.”

It’s unbelievable to consider how their small actions made such an enormous distinction in lifting the troopers’ spirits.

Violet Hill Gordon: Breaking Limitations

Violet Hill Gordon’s story of breaking obstacles is equally highly effective. She confronted skepticism just because she was a Black lady in uniform throughout such a difficult time. “After we first arrived, the lads didn’t know what to make of us. They’d by no means seen Black girls in uniform earlier than. However we confirmed them—we weren’t right here to be something however skilled,” she mirrored. Her braveness is a testomony to the power it takes to confront and overcome prejudice.

Carrying the Mail: Honoring the Resilience of the 6888th Postal Battalion
Row 1: Frances Alexander, Glendora Moore, Row 2: Corrinna Skerrard, Violet Askins, Irma Cayton, Vera Harrison; after deployment to Ft. Huachuca]. 1942. Violet Hill Askins Gordon Assortment. Library of Congress Veterans Historical past Mission.

 

Make Historical past: Contribute a narrative of service
The vacation season is the perfect time to not solely replicate on these inspiring tales but additionally a time to think about contributing the story of the veteran in your life. In February, Janice Martin contributed her late mom’s (Indiana-Hunt Martin’s) authentic pictures and navy paperwork to the Library of Congress, emphasizing the significance of preserving the tales of those that served. This heartfelt gesture reminds us that sharing our family members’ experiences can maintain their reminiscences alive. This New 12 months, as we set intentions and make resolutions, let’s honor those that formed our lives by documenting and sharing their tales.

woman at podium speaking
Janice Martin talking within the Veterans Historical past Mission Info Heart about her mom’s service and the significance of preserving the 6888 legacy. Picture by Shawn Miller.

 

Discover Extra: Veterans Historical past Mission
The 6888th Central Postal Listing Battalion was greater than only a group of girls who served their nation—they had been pioneers. Their braveness, resilience and unwavering spirit modified the course of historical past, and it’s very important that we proceed to share their tales. In case you liked the movie, take the time to dive deeper into the actual histories of those exceptional girls acknowledging the power, resilience and unwavering spirit of the 6888th Central Postal Listing Battalion.

As we embark on this new chapter, let’s be impressed by the unbelievable tales of the 6888s. Be a part of me in celebrating their spirit by exploring their narratives, recognizing their contributions and weaving their bravery into the material of our personal journeys.

Right here’s to a yr stuffed with inspiration, connection and a dedication to holding reminiscences alive!