it's a beautiful spring afternoon. we're so happy to have you all. and i want to welcome my colleagues in congress. course, officials of the united states army, distinguished, distinguished guests. we're so happy to have you at the united states capitol today. we are honored to be joined by over 300 descendants and family members of the six triple eight.

yeah. what a testament. this is to the enduring impact of these remarkable women that we honor today. this ceremony reflects one of the highest and most cherished traditions of our republic, one that roots stretch back all the way to general george washington ulysses s grant and the wright brothers. the congressional gold medal is the higher est honor this body can bestow. it's reserved for those whose courage and service shaped our country and our nation's. it's in this spirit that we gather to award this medal to the 688, 68, 88, the post director battalion high. i knew you were going to correct

me. it's 6888. okay, but we call it the six triple eight. okay. okay. we try to be precise. okay. this battalion was the first and the only unit of african-american women to serve overseas during world war two. yeah. as tens of thousands of allied forces made their final push across europe, the mail system was stretched thin from scarce resources. it was crippling. under the weight of wartime logistics. then, just as today, letters of home were very, very important, they were lifelines that grounded the soldiers, they reminded our brave heroes of all they were fighting for that was actually waiting back at home.

morale reports during the war underscored just how important mail was to the soldier spirit. so much so that the phrase no mail, low morale became widespread. it was later by the army as the official motto of the six triple eight, yet all the importance of mail millions of undelivered letters piled up in dark warehouses across europe, and those letters might well have stayed. there were it not for the work of the women that we celebrate today. yes that's right. under the command of lieutenant colonel charity adams, early the battalion. all right. parenthetically i just want to note, she sounds like a marvel hero. that name is so awesome. charity adams, early. the battalion deployed to

england and got to work on the on the back long they worked in three shifts around the clock day in and day out to sort through literal mountains of mail that it accumulated all while navigating troop movements that turned on a dime. incomplete addresses, illegible writing and thousands of soldiers who shared same name. listen to this, this is just one example. okay. my name is mike johnson. right at this time. i know it said at this time, mike cole was the ninth most popular name and was one of the top five surnames. so my staff did the math. they said, sir, it's pretty safe to assume that roughly 30,000 mike johnson served in world war two. and and that's enough. fill fenway park, oak. now, just imagine the challenge that these ladies had. they were trying to get the right letter to the right soldier. that's the kind of that's the kind of challenge that they faced with great ingenuity, maintained a tracking system of 7 million id cards to solve the

issue of soldiers sharing names. they didn't have all high tech gadgets that we have today. they had to do it manually processing 65,000 pieces of mail per shift. they cleared the entire backlog in no less than three months. that's right. listen, this. by the war's end, the six triple eight had sorted over 79 million pieces of mail. they got the job done even in the face of inadequate supplies and even in the face of discrimination both. for women within the army and back home, these women were valiant members of our greatest artist. academics, athletes, women who won and went on to pursue higher education, to build families, to buy homes and shape the very foundation of the american middle class. we remember women like margaret

sales, who enlisted on her 20th birthday. okay. she enlisted on our 20th birthday and she had dreams, pursuing music and teaching. we remember like remember women like roommate davis, who. she used the gi bill to attend fashion school and decades later earned her black belt in her seventies. okay, tough ladies. we also, of course, remember incomparable lieutenant colonel charity adams, who guided her unit. she she faced all those challenges. she she guided her unit with unshakable grace and resolve. and even after earning her degree in mathematics, latin and physics, she returned to her studies after the war and she said this famously, quote, after

handling 885 women in a course in would be a cinch. we're blessed. the two members of the six triple eight are still with us today, watching from home, watching from home. they are. and we want to salute them from the in the chamber. fanny mclendon, who hails from my home state of louisiana. all right right. she went on to to serve her country as a major, the air force. that's right. we also have anna mae robertson at home. thanks. just last month celebrated her

101st birthday. okay. miss anna mae, you got a big group here. i'm going now. these women and the entire six triple eight are great american patriots, loyal to a nation that for far too long failed to return that favor. and i'm glad to say that that's changing. and we're doing that here today. this remarkable story has rightly captured that is now inspired books and movies stirred the conscience of millions of americans who are just now hearing and sharing this incredible story. today here in the people's house we add to that story. so thank you all for being here. we are honored to host you and to celebrate these exceptional women. god bless you. ladies, gentlemen, please stand for the presentation of the

colors. the united states army color guard from the third united states infantry regiment. the old guard. the performance of our national anthem by the united states army band. pershing's own brass quintet. and the retiring of the colors in npr paul. yes, it's a lot of fun. but what would look like. oh oh, oh, well, all right. oh, no. color. paul. 12.0.

oh. my. my. who's. oh.

my. folks. call. right. so oh. oh. protest far more. oh, but but oh, but but i.

mean german military anything for the imitation of dr. francis tony murphy draper c o and publisher of afro-american newspaper newspaper. silly parade, eternal god, sovereign and sustainer with our heads and lift our hearts today in awe and gratitude in this horrible place where history is remembered and sacrifice honored, we pause to commemorate a long overdue recognition in the awarding of the congressional gold medal to the triple h central postal directory battalion. we give thanks for the 855 career just black women

soldiers, sisters, daughters, mothers and wives who served with the six triple eight in 1945. god, they cross oceans and broke barriers amid the devastation of war under unimaginable conditions, cold, dark, red infested with bombs overhead and morale crumbling, they brought order, hope and human connection. they saw millions of pieces of mail. but even more profound, loudly, they reconnected the hearts across oceans, reminding weary soldiers that they were not forgotten. from every corner of our nation they came, including proud daughters of my home state of maryland such as my own aunt. that's how charlie murphy matthews, who alongside her sisters in arms show the world what faith and determination could achieve when given the chance to serve. lord, we thank you for president joe biden, who signature firm to

this honor, and for the steadfast of representative gwen moore senator jerry moran and senator jacky rosen, whose bipartisan commitment made this historic day possible, may their example inspire to inspire continued efforts to honor truth justice and sacrifice. today, we lift up the families, those gathered here and those carrying this legacy across generations. may this moment bring healing, affirmation and pride may remind us that no act of valor is ever forgotten and no story of sacrifice should ever go untold. bless the congress and grant its members wisdom, humility and moral clarity as they serve the people of this nation and bless the united states of america, made stronger, richer, and more equitable because of women like those of the six triple eight.

and it's in your name that we pray and the people of god said. please be seated. ladies and gentlemen, the honorable jake turner, former united states representative from, the second district of kansas. mr. speaker, distinguished guests, friends, i am so humbled to be here today for this celebration. and that's what this is, is a long celebration for some very brave women in our history, as has been said here today, the women of the six triple eight deserve to be honored with the highest civilian award. congress can give, in a time of war and in a world that question both their and their capability, this all black, all female

battalion answered nation's call with courage, dignity and excellence they understood that they were integral to our nation's success, that the millions of pieces of mail they slaughtered had an enormous impact on the morale of our soldiers and they have not received the recognition that they deserve. this is not just about a medal, though. this is about cementing their rightful place in history. and i'm pleased to be a very part of that. i want to thank senator moran. senator rosen, representative moore for their hard work in making sure that this day is possible made the legacy of the six triple eight continue to inspire us every single day and encourage us to build nation ever worthy their sacrifice. thank you. god bless you.

ladies, gentlemen, the honorable gwen moore united states representative from the fourth district of wisconsin. mr. speaker, the early family arm forces, i want to especially speak of, colonel edna cummings, that you'll be hearing from shortly honored guests, colleagues, all who are gathered here. it is such a privilege to be standing here in emancipation hall a sacred place, and it fitting for a location for this ceremony. the capitol, the emancipation hall, named for the slave laborers that played a crucial and oft overlooked role in the construction of capital.

and they were very excluded from the very freedom that it embodies, the lengthy process of constructing the u.s. capitol relied upon free and enslaved laborers at every step. for example, slaves of minute a number of projects, perhaps most notably the statue of freedom that atop the u.s. capitol dome and is owed in part to the label skill of enslaved artists. and philip reed. but of course their contributions went unheeded and but now we have a plaque here and this very hall really recognized the labor of those folks. and today indeed the six triple eight battalion were these

unsung heroes who served their country. and they did it because they were patriotic, not because they thought that they would ever get any recognition. and now, 80 years later, after they were deployed, europe, this ceremony is a fitting end to a long journey to make sure that we do not forget their service and none of them. none of them did it for glory. they did it for the love country. and, you know, the story reminds us so much that while there much that divides our country today, there's that there's even more that joins us together and like a commitment to service a commitment to doing something bigger than yourself to live volunteer terribly to go into service in a war zone, even in

the face of segregation at home. we want to thank the women of the six triple eight from all over the nation, the 855 women who served for their service. they're women like mike constituent who is still alive, a young 101 years old, private hannah mae roberts in milwaukee, wisconsin. i first got to know adam robertson because she's a she's the mother of a of mine that i went to college with. and she's also a constituent. and my office was contact started to look for some of the service medals that they thought she most certainly deserved. and as i got these service medals, i realized what a tremendous, remarkable and

unknown story, the 6888 was. and that history lived right there in milwaukee and i work to prepare these remarks. i had to think further about how this evolved. her daughter, sheree roberts, the very dear friend of my, wrote me a letter and i'm quoting from sherry's letter. quote, by sponsoring the bill with the congressional gold medal, you will be ensuring that the contributions and sacrifices made by the women who served in the six triple eight central post and battalion will not go unnoticed and will be appreciate it. but future generations. unquote. and you've heard about the obstacles that these bear and barriers coal's freezing weather rats. but they put duty first and in the days before cell phones

emails, text, instagram, you could only imagine how important getting a from home was and as it's sustained our young men in the in the theater war i want to quote from an obituary that appeared in the niagara gazette may 21st, 2021 of the six eight their work was more than sorting mail. it was ministering to the souls of soldiers, making sure they received that little piece home that reminded them that they were not forgotten and go the motto, no mail, low morale. and as i hurry to a close i want to thank represented dave jake laturner. i remember when i tracked you down in the republican cloakroom to be my co-sponsor i remember

dog in all of the generals in the house cussing you better -- will help me get some signatures. senator jerry moran. and of course my good friend senator jacky rosen for spearheading legislation in the senate. and i also would be remiss i didn't mention a person who helped me write this these remarks and didn't put his name in here. my legislative director, chris golson, was dogged about getting the signature it took us seven years to get this done. and of course you're going to hear from amazing people. retired army colonel edna cummings and carlton diehl, patton and many others that i

can't name who picked up phone to make calls and send emails to get us to this point. as one reporter noted in one of the many stories, these remarkable women quote, the six, 888 was an expert harassment a pass fail test did determine the value black women brought to the military. and let me say today all of us bear witness to their impact, remarkable performance of their commitment to freedom. and that's why we're able to gather here today in emancipation hall and, you know, to celebrate their legacy. thank you so much.

ladies and gentlemen, the honorable jacky rosen united states senator from nevada. well, good afternoon. welcome, everyone. mr. speaker, the leaders senators, my dear friend gwen moore, you motivated us to do all of my friends in congress members of the military families and and for those watching few survivors who are watching us today. thank you. thank you. thank you. because we are thrilled to be here. all of us together to sell, break the incredible women of this six triple eight. and these brave women. over 800 strong made up the only all woman unit deployed overseas during world war two and that

should be applauded. again. the congresswoman more and i'm proud to work with senator moran our partners all across both houses to make sure that the six triple eight central postal directory directory battalion got the recognition that they truly rightfully deserve with the congressional gold medal. congress's highest civilian honor. i got involved with these efforts, these heroes, especially because of the women who called my state of nevada home. women like corporal mabel nevils, women like corporal alberta, and women corporal lena king, who later her life came to call nevada home. that's right. and it was corporal kingston that motivated me to make sure that these heroic women these are all women, the recognition

that they deserved. and even though she is no longer with us, she is with us in spirit her heroism remains her and her legacy intact that all of these trailblazing women in only answered the call to serve their country. but they did so in the face of incredible challenges of the time like racism and sexism and their mission sounds like a simple one. just to deliver the mail right. but to distribute mail and clear a massive backlog of 17 million letters and packages it was a tremendous feat and it was critical. it was critical. this mail was the only that our troops had to home that. they had to family. it was their light and the darkness and the lonely ness of war. so so for the heroes that were

risking their lives on the front line, this mail, the mail that they so carefully worked 24 hours a day to figure out where it went, who it went to. they knew it would bring them joy. it would bring them hope, and it would bring them their humanity. and despite the many challenges, the women of the six triple eight cleared that backlog and half the time expected their speed, their precision, their dedication remained to their motto as expressed. corporal king, no mail, low morale. for decades, their service largely unrecognized, hidden in the margins of history, and that today, today they are no longer hidden. we stand up for the six triple eight.

and let this medal at this time in this place emancipation hall and moment stand as a permanent reminder her that courage knows no color, that strength knows no gender and patriotism knows, no bounds. so on behalf of a grateful nation to the families, descendants, the friends and the loved ones, the women of six triple eight, we thank you for your service and we so we are so proud to honor you here today. you have our eternal gratitude. thank you. ladies and gentlemen, the honorable jerry moran, united states from kansas.

ladies and gentlemen, americans, congressional leaders represent turner and representative gwen moore and my colleague from the senate, senator jackie. it is a privilege of a lifetime to stand in front of you to pay tribute and respect to the women of the six triple eight. the world war two heroes we recognize today were freedom fighters. set aside the safety and comforts of their home to deploy to europe, to support and fight tyranny, to support freedom, which they didn't always experience in their own country. these women came from all over our nation. they came from all of life. i suppose in many ways we'd say they were just average

americans. but these average americans were something more than just average. at every time and every generation. we need a role models. we need role models today we can only strive and hope that we can earn our own lifetime respect that these women earned and deserve in their lifetimes. the women of the army corps central postal directory battalion, as we now are certain we know the women, the six triple eight, our soldiers who went above and beyond their duty they broke barriers that should never have existed and defied odds that were stacked against them. their commitment and determined efforts to eliminate a backlog of mail touched the lives of

millions of american soldiers and their families at home. for american soldiers on the front line, messages from home, they provided comfort and a reminder for the people back home that they were fighting for for the families back home. the letters gave them comfort and a level of certainty that their loved ones were alive and maybe well written. words of encouragement, love and hope offered glimpses of what life could be like when they returned home. what all of us want in our life at, most times in our life is hope and letters from home provided hope. hope, return to life, love and family. tucked away in pockets of soldiers. the letters from home gave them the strength. the strength to push forward to achieve their mission. the 6888 is especially important.

me as the son. the son of a world war two veteran who left his new bride in emporia, kansas, to fight in. i don't know if any of the letters between my mom dad passed the hands of the 6888. but i do know that the work they did made it possible for millions of young men like my dad to keep up the fight when these women returned home, there was no parade to greet them. no one lined the streets to thank them for their service. at eight. right. and we're trying to correct it today. many return to their daily lives only the stories of their service. world war two. in 2018, i had the honor to meet five of these exceptional women, including delores, and that at dedication of the ceremony of the 6888 central postal

directory battalion monument at the buffalo soldier memorial park in leavenworth, kansas. the i will never forget and a day that caused me to think what more could we do to show our gratitude? those ladies that i met all in their nineties, these five women that came to fort leavenworth, they braved our kansas winter to see a memorial built in their honor. three years later, i attended the funeral of delores, and i'm grateful she lived to see the memorial in kansas built to her honor. and i regret she didn't live to see today's ceremony. i'm grateful i could. the congressional gold medal act, i introduced it the senate to bestow this honor upon the

six, 888. and i'm saddened that we able to express our gratitude more quickly to the women while they were still living. you know, i indicated that delores was able to see a monument built in her honor shortly before the world war two memorial was to be dedicated, put on my running shoes and walked to the world war two memorial. and i, when i got when got there, i arrived and looked for the kansas pillar, and i stepped away and used my flip phone to call my dad home in plainville, kansas. and i was lucky because the voicemail, the answering machine picked up, i probably wouldn't have said what i said on the voicemail, on the answering machine if i had answered the phone himself. but i said, dad i'm at the world war two memorial, dad. this memorial was built in your honor that i want you to know

that i respect you. i thank you for your service and dad i love you. i walked back to my office and my phone rang. it was my dad and he said, gerald. and i said, dad? he said, you left a message, but i couldn't it. would you repeat it. i'm no longer able to repeat that message to my own dad. but i've tried in my time as a member of the house of representatives and as a united states senator to honor, respect, act and meet our obligations to those served our nation. tiffany mclendon and anna mae robertson, who represent really.

850 women who served along their side and behalf and on behalf of a grateful nation. this nation needs to learn to be grateful, but to be on behalf of a grateful nation. and on behalf my mom and dad, i thank you for service. i respect and i love. ladies and gentlemen, the united states army being pershing's own brass quintet performing song of the women's army corps. the task has become one part,

and the way to start to activate it is. every day brings challenge. to. us. finally, police are calling this a victory. history tells us brave. i owe, as you will, famously. said the word. resound. with a person.

ladies and gentlemen, the honorable hakeem, democratic leader of the united states house of representatives. good afternoon. this is the day that the lord made, and we're here to rejoice and be glad in. the added w cummings. mr. early the third mrs. judith early dr. murphy the families of our heroes.

speaker johnson. leader thune. leader schumer. members of congress. certainly to. congresswoman gwen moore. congressman ken jake laturner. senator senator moran and all those assembled to high honor and a distinct privilege to join you all today. as we recognize the extraordinary women and the extraordinary accomplish ments of the 6888. 1945. the 855 members of the 6888. the largest group of black women to serve over seas during world war two deployed to europe during one of the most difficult periods in american history, led by lieutenant colonel adams

early, the daughter of a preacher a member of delta sigma theta sorority, incorporated incorporated. i figured that would generate some type of reaction reaction. and the highest ranking black woman officer at the time. these passionate, patriotic and persistent members of the army corps deployed knowing they would confront the dual challenges of racism and sexism at the hands of their own military and beyond. tenet colonel early once stated when i talk to students, they say, how did it feel to know you were making history? and then she responded, but you don't know you're making history. this happened. i just wanted to do my job.

and what a job done by the six triple eight. they were given six months to do what others could not in a war zone with bombs dropping above and horrific warehouse conditions, but with their life saving and life sustaining battle of no male, low morale that's made by l. not emily. i don't want anybody get it twisted. no male low morale. they defied the odds and cleared millions of pieces of mail and years of backlog. in only three months, record

time. record time. we gathered too late today to salute these mighty veterans. we salute the ingenuity with which they sprang into battle. we salute the barriers that they broke in a system designed to push them aside. we salute their spirit and the road that they paved for others. we especially honor those gave the ultimate sacrifice, including private first class mary bankston from new york. mary. mary was killed in a vehicle accident along with two other members of the unit when the war department wouldn't provide funds for their burial. the heroes of the six triple eight took up a collection to

pay for their caskets themselves, laid their sisters to rest. that's the spirit of the soulfulness, the sisterhood of the six triple eight. we reject any efforts now. erase this history and that is why this bipartite san ceremony is so pathetic only important. the women of the six triple eight overcame him. the odds disproved the doubters and courageously contributed to the allied victory in world war two. their efforts helped freedom prevail over fascism and is why they are so worthy to be praised. we are forever indebted to them for their honorable service and

as a result of this gold medal. ceremony, we forever will ensure that they will never, ever be hidden figures again. god bless you. god bless the 6888. may god continue to bless the united states of america. ladies and gentlemen the honorable charles schumer, democratic leader of the united states senate. to mr. stanley, early colonel edna cummings, my colleagues in the senate and the house. to senators moran and rosen. congress members mourn the turner, but most of all, the relatives, friends, supporters

of the great and now properly remembered six triple eight. from. 43 to 1945 to thousand acres of once quiet new york farm land operated as the busiest embarkation camp in the world. nearly 1.3 million soldiers pass through camp shanks before crossing the atlantic to join war in europe, including the women of the 6888 central postal directory. the only black all female unit to serve abroad in all of world war two. today.

today, we honor the congressional gold medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by congress to the trails put to the trail blazing women of the six triple eight. and by now we all know stories of their heroics, their great heroics, how they sorted millions of pieces of mail in record time, making sure soldiers receive their letters in packages from back home, but also how they overcame doubt and discrimination to get the job done. how they lifted the morale of an entire army fighting freedom. but before they could do any this, they had to fight for even the opportunity to serve at time. black women had just recently granted the ability to join the women's corps. those who did were forced to train in harsh condition, to

live in segregated barracks, and were routinely assigned menial tasks. but janitorial duties still, they persisted. they showed up every day with dignity, discipline and a dogged determination to serve. and when the opportunity finally came for the women of the six triple eight, they answered the call and changed the course of history. they. they took on a mission that many others deemed impossible. they carried the weight of an entire army on their shoulders. and they illustrated that american heroes come from all walks of life, regardless of gender, regardless of race. so today, with this long overdue

award, the six triple eight will take their rightful place in the pantheon of america's greatest wartime heroes. their legacy, once overlooked will now endure for generations to come. so god bless the 888, the god bless our women and men in uniform and god bless the united states of america. this is a great for our country. ladies and gentlemen, the honorable jack thune, leader of the united states senate. good afternoon, mr. speaker. leader schumer, senators moran and rosen. congressman turner,

congresswoman moore, no male lowbrow as has already been said, it was the model of the six triple eight for my dad in millions of other americans who served overseas during world war two. there were no no emails, no face times, no zooms, no phone calls. my uncle gib was at pearl harbor when it was hit on december seventh, 1941, and my grandparents didn't know for days whether he was alive or dead. letters were the only connection to home, and the absence of those letters. that was a real blow to soldiers already facing constant strain and danger. and in early 1945, the mail situé was a big problem. warehouses in birmingham england were filled with a backlog of 17 million pieces of mail.

it was estimated clearing that backlog would take six months. enter. the 6888. the women of the six triple eight central postal directory battalion and the only all black and women of color women's army corps unit to serve overseas during world war two arrived in birmingham in february and boy did they get to work. and despite often dismal working conditions and practical challenges, there were, for example, seven the 500 american owens named robert smith. within three months they had cleared the backlog. three months. half the time estimated for the task. a story of professionalism and excellence and determination of being remembered all on its own. but there's more to it than

that. because women accomplish their task in the face. challenges no battalion of white men or, even white women for that matter, would have had to face. in addition to the ordinary trials of their service, they faced racism, segregation, hostility and prejudice. but did their jobs anyway. and for these trailblazing women and their exceptional commander, major charity adams deserved to be doubly remembered. it's an honor to be here today to witness the 6888 receive this recognition. and i hope that this and this presentation will bring additional atten shine to their historic story on behalf of a

grateful nation. thank you. ladies and gentlemen, the honorable mike johnson speaker of the united states house of representatives. all right, so the moment we've all been waiting for, as we've heard today, the story of the six triple eight has been buried in american history for quite some time. but we are grateful for the many descendants historians and advocates with us today who helped bring the legacy of this storied unit light. just last week was back home in louisiana, and while i was there, i had the honor of meeting the oldest living world war two veteran. he lives in my district. there. he'd just turned 106 years old. yeah. he's sharp as a tack, and i asked him for vitamin regimen. but that's another story.

we gave him a congressional commendation award, and it was the very least that could do. i felt inadequate, but just given him the certificate. but what we do is so appropriate. i 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. it is our responsibility and solemn duty as citizens to preserve. serve this heritage to ensure the heroism and bravery of our greatest generation are never forgotten. and it is a biblical admonition that all of us must give honor where honor is due. that's what we do today. so for their distinguished service, i am proud our nation is finally giving the women of the six triple eight the recognition they've long deserved. today is our way of saying in no uncertain terms, their story will never forgotten. and so on behalf of a grateful nation, it's my honor to present the congressional gold medal to this six triple eight.

at this time, i will ask leader thune, leader schumer, leader jeffries, senator moran, senator rosen representative more, representative turner, colonel edna cummings and mr. stanley earley. the third and mrs. judith earley to please join me here in the front of the stage for the presentation of the medals. oh, yes.

third son of lieutenant colonel charity adams, early. all right. thank thank. thank you. mr. speaker. members of congress the sponsors of the bill. families of the six triple eight and all of the guests here on

behalf of the friends and families and others connected the six triple eight. 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. i wanted to say a couple brief remarks. well, representation is important. it is important after excellent and i have and i'm more of a math person than a word person. i think a few of you know, me and that's culture and talked about every. people have talked about what six triple eight did. and i'm going to talk a little more about the numbers. the 17 million pieces of mail the 24 hours a day, seven days a week. and in 90 days. but if you do that and you multiply it or divide it, you wind up with one letter or

package out on average every 4/10 of a second. know no computers, no optical scanners, no sorting machines, all done by hand. this soldier's exemplified in the face of adversity and demonstrated the ability to go beyond what was thought to be possible. they overcame major to achieve success and made a substantial difference to the army. they served as as an inspire role model for young soldiers entering service today. and they're true examples of american excellence. the congressional gold medal has the principle that those who dedicate themselves fully, regardless of race or gender, can be recognized at the highest levels and above all, the matters. finally, i do have a request.

please help us to ensure the story of the six triple eight and the honors and the that they receive are protected and remembered for future generations. thank you. ladies and gentlemen, to colonel edwards. cummings, united states army, retired, and all of a sudden it's 1:00 in front. we're back, six. days before it. thank you. oh, my gosh. how exciting exciting. mr. 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 six triple eight with our nation's highest civilian award, the long awaited and much sought after congressional gold medal. and and the six triple eight eight is now listed among the less than 200 recipe efforts since general george washington first received it in. 1776. eight decades after 6888 returned from the war, we now these soldiers who did four things, they exceeded standards, succeeded, others failed, restore reliable mail service and connected loved ones to the frontlines. so it was more than meal and. and more importantly, world war was a time when the entire nation came together to defend america. i would really like to

acknowledge first lady eleanor roosevelt and dr. mary mcleod bethune, because i was here often because dr. bethune was, also an honorary general in the women's army for national defense. together, dr. marable helped bethune and first lady eleanor roosevelt open a path for service and encourage women to serve our nation and as a result, hundreds of thousands of women answered their call, including the six triple eight women's of all women of all races throughout the u.s., throughout our territories and the nation was called to defend america. and. with 85% of the six triple eight having college degrees or working as former schoolteachers, the six triple eight were among nation's most educated workforce. armed with education and

patriotism, they gave their all and returned from the war and to their lives without fanfare. many said that they did their jobs and came home and ones i talked to told me, colonel, into story. but i wouldn't accept that as the end of the story. and for most that chapter of their lives did in. but until recent years, story and impacts were seldom. if ever told. and now due to the tenacity of pham liz and hundreds of support is worldwide. the 6 to 8 history is known internationally. to date, the congressional gold medal two post offices museum exhibits countless state and local resolutions commemorates the days documentaries street dedications in the u.s. and in france, blue plaques, the united kingdom, a movie books, articles now cement the legacy of this remarkable military unit.

after. and the six triple eight not only 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 six triple eight. yeah. but to members of congress. and your staff. i appreciate hard work. you've answered my phone calls now for over seven years, but your hard work has resulted in us this honor upon the 6888. and i would like to offer the families a special thank you for sharing their personal stories and to our supporters and veterans organization fans worldwide who donated your time and resources to make today and many others possible. i would also like to acknowledge ms. sylvia schuster, banks. she's the 95 year old sister,

six triple eight veteran gladys schuster. carter. and we have some guests from the united kingdom raise. your hand, who joined mississippi and a few more. what raise. so in closing, just like to say with my utmost appreciation and, humility. please know that everyone in here, all of you helped shape the enduring legacy of the six triple eight. thank so very much. ladies and gentlemen, please, for the benediction delivered by dr. berry c black chaplain of the united states senate.

let us pray. eternal god, who holds the world in your hands. thank you for. this congressional gold medal that honors. the 6888. thank you. that. 6888 validates for us the words of the poet fleecy locks and dark complexion cannot forfeit nature's claim. skin may, but affection dwells in black and white. the same where i so tall as to

reach the pole or to grass the ocean at a span i must be measured by my soul. a mind is the of the woman and man. now bless and keep us. make your face shine upon us. and be gracious to. miss the light of your countenance upon us. and give us your. your peace. we pray in your sovereign name. onmy name is katie and i am the

events manager here at porter square books. and i want to thank you all for coming out to support your local independent bookstore. we're excited to welcome nigel hamilton back for his new book, lincoln varina davis the war of the presidents. if you're new to the bookstore, porter square books has locations here in cambridge, which is our new space. and in boston, seaport district. both of our storefronts are