Biden Signs Bill Renaming Raleigh Post Office to Honor WWII Veteran, Civil Rights Icon Millie Dunn Veasey

Washington, DC — President Joe Biden has signed into law a bill to rename the post office at 2777 Brentwood Road in Raleigh, NC, in honor of Millie Dunn Veasey, a trailblazing World War II veteran and civil rights leader. This legislation, introduced by Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02), pays tribute to Ms. Dunn Veasey’s remarkable service as a member of the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female unit to serve overseas during the war. The new Netflix movie The Six Triple Eight showcases Ms. Dunn Veasey’s exemplary military service.

“Millie Dunn Veasey is an American hero – a veteran and civil rights leader who ensured soldiers on the front lines received letters from loved ones at home,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Her incredible legacy deserves this recognition. I thank President Biden for signing this legislation to honor her lifetime of service and the countless lives she impacted.”

A Legacy of Service

Born in 1918 in Raleigh, Ms. Dunn Veasey joined the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps during World War II, inspired by posters encouraging women to serve. Her determination led her to the 6888th Battalion, where she and her unit sorted millions of pieces of mail under grueling conditions in Europe. Their efforts, completed in record time, boosted morale among soldiers during the war. The battalion’s motto, “No mail, low morale,” highlighted their essential role in maintaining connections between soldiers and their loved ones.

The extraordinary service of the 6888th Battalion is featured in the Netflix film The Six Triple Eight, bringing renewed attention to their contributions.

Civil Rights Leadership

After returning to Raleigh, Ms. Dunn Veasey dedicated her life to activism. She marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1963 March on Washington and became the first female president of the Raleigh NAACP. Her leadership in the Civil Rights Movement and numerous civic organizations solidified her as a transformative figure in the fight for equality.

Recognition and Honors

Millie Dunn Veasey earned degrees from Saint Augustine’s University and North Carolina Central University. She lived to celebrate her 100th birthday in 2018, shortly before her passing and was buried with full honors at the Raleigh VA National Cemetery. Her tireless contributions were recognized by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, which named her a “living legend,” and by the parade held in her honor in Normandy, France.

A Lasting Tribute

Renaming the Brentwood Road post office ensures Ms. Dunn Veasey’s legacy endures in her hometown. Congresswoman Ross’ bill received bipartisan support from every member of the North Carolina delegation in the 118th Congress.

“This renaming is a small but meaningful way to honor a woman who broke barriers and changed lives,” Ross said. “Millie Dunn Veasey’s story inspires us to strive for equality and justice.”

A Community to Remember

Millie Dunn Veasey’s life of service reminds us of the power of resilience, courage, and commitment to community. As her name adorns the Raleigh post office, her story will continue to inspire future generations.

Photos: NC Museum of History