Petition for 6888th Forever Stamp in need of support

By Tavon N. Thomasson 
AFRO Intern

A national petition urging the U.S. Postal Service to issue a Forever Stamp honoring the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion is roughly 300 signatures shy of its 1,500-signature goal. 

Launched on Change.org, the petition highlights the groundbreaking service of the more than 800 Black and Brown women who made up the 6888th Battalion during World War II (WWII). Known as the only all-Black, all-woman battalion unit to be deployed overseas during WWII, the unit cleared more than 17 million pieces of mail– a massive backlog that significantly impacted soldier morale– under harsh wartime conditions.

Over the years, the women have been recognized with monuments and national tributes. Most recently, in April, the women officially received a Congressional Gold Medal. 

Still, supporters say one form of recognition remains missing: a commemorative stamp.

“We call on the United States Postal Service to issue a Forever Stamp honoring the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion,” say organizers of the petition on Change.org.

“A stamp is more than postage, it is a symbol of national recognition, a piece of everyday art that carries messages and meaning.  A Forever Stamp dedicated to the 6888th would not only honor their service and sacrifice but also spark awareness, education, and inspiration across generations.” 

With a goal of receiving 1,500 by Aug. 6, the petition was less than 350 signatures short as of July 31. 

Organizers say realizing their dream of a 6888th Forever Stamp would go a long way in making sure the entire country is aware of the sacrifice made by the women.

“Every time such a stamp is affixed to a letter, it would carry with it the legacy of perseverance, service, and patriotism,” say organizers in the petition. “It would celebrate the unsung heroes who fought not just a global war, but a battle for dignity and inclusion within their own country.”

To help the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion receive a Forever Stamp, the AFRO encourages you to sign your name to the petition by clicking here. 

Be sure to also share the link with others! 

In addition, advocates for the stamp are strongly encouraging supporters to write a letter and mail it in to the Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee, requesting the approval of a 6888th Forever Stamp. 

The only way to reach the committee is a letter via mail, as members of the Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee do not discuss requests via phone, email or text. They also do not consider requests made via social media.  

To send a written letter in support of the 6888th Forever Stamp, please address it to the Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee, with the subject listed as “Letter of Support to honor the 6888^th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The letter should be mailed to the following address:

Stamp Development 
ATTN: Citizens’ Stamp Advisory committee
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300
Washington, DC 20260-3501

Organizers of the effort are also asking that a copy of any written letters in support of the 6888^th Stamp Project also be emailed to the6888stampproject@gmail.com, so a copy of the letter can be filed.