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Senate committee hears bill to designate March 9 as 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion Day
Summary
Senators heard sponsor testimony for Senate Bill 17 to designate March 9 as 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion Day, honoring the only all‑Black, all‑female U.S. Army battalion to serve overseas in World War II and highlighting Major Charity Adams’ Ohio ties; the measure received a first hearing and no vote.
Senator Cyndre Reynolds told the Senate Armed Services, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee that Senate Bill 17 would designate March 9 as 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion Day in Ohio and serve as an educational recognition of the unit’s service.
“I’m honored to introduce senate bill 17 … to designate March 9 as 6 triple eighth Central Postal Directory Battalion Day in Ohio,” Reynolds said, describing the battalion as “the only all black, all female battalion to serve overseas during World War II.” She told the committee the unit processed “approximately 17,000,000 letters and packages,” work she said bolstered troop morale and aided the war effort.
The bill’s joint sponsor, Senator Herschel Craig, reinforced Reynolds’ account and pointed to Major Charity Adams’ Ohio upbringing as a reason for state recognition. Craig noted the battalion recently received a congressional gold medal and argued state designation would ensure Ohioans learn about their contribution.
The measure drew no questions during its first hearing; sponsors urged the committee to support the designation as a form of recognition and public education about African American women’s role in World War II.
Senate Bill 17 received a first hearing; committee members did not vote on the measure and took no formal action at this meeting.
