Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/10149
IN THE NEWS Though never trained in its operation, he manned an unattended 50-caliber machine gun and fired on Japanese aircraft until ordered to abandon the bridge as fires raged out of control (Actor Cuba Gooding, Jr., portrayed Miller in the 2001 film Pearl Harbor.) Thanks to press coverage and the tremendous interest of the African-American community, Miller (often referred to as “Dorie” in press accounts) arguably became the best known enlisted sailor of World War II. He was killed on Nov. 24, 1943, with more than 600 shipmates HERO GETS FIRST-CLASS SALUTE The U.S. Postal Service will immortalize Dori Miller and WWII’S FIRST BLACK three other sailors who served with bravery and distinction dur- ing the 20th century when it issues the Distinguished Sailors stamps. In addition to Miller, others commemorated on the stamps include: William S. Sims, Arleigh A. Burke and John McCloy. when a Japanese submarine torpedoed and sank the escort air- craft carrier Liscome Bay during Operation Galvanic, the inva- sion of the Gilbert Islands. His body was lost at sea. Miller received numerous posthumous honors. A destroyer escort, USS Miller (DE-1091), commissioned in 1973, was named for him. A number of elementary schools across the country have been named after Miller; in Waco, TX, a school, park, cemetery and YMCA branch bear his name. Although he was only the first of a number of African- Americans to be recognized for their heroism in World War II, Miller is singularly remembered for providing inspiration to a campaign for equal recognition and opportunity for Blacks in the military, a campaign that bore fruit in 1948 when President Truman ordered “that there shall be equali- ty and opportunity for all persons in the armed forces.” 2010 VIRGINIA TRAVEL GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE Commemorative Cover Celebrates Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary The 2010 Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guid is now available, featuring stunning photography, insid- er tips and hundreds of ideas for travelers looking to relax and reconnect with loved ones on vacation in Virginia. The free guide is available at www.Virginia.org or by calling (800) VISITVA. The new guide’s commemorative cover stars the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway, with a panoramic photograph taken by Cameron Davidson, an award-winning photographer from Virginia. Inside, travelers will see Virginia’s breath- taking sites along the Parkway and the best places to As the first Black American hero of World War II, Doris (pronounced Dorie) Miller (1919-1943) was awarded the Navy Cross and became an inspiration to generations of Americans for his actions at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. He was later awarded the Navy Cross. Miller was born into a family of sharecroppers and raised near Waco, TX. Imposing in stature, he played football in high school and later showed skills as a heavyweight boxer. On Sept. 16, 1939, at age 19, Miller enlisted in the Navy as a mess atten- dant, the only job rating open to Blacks at the time. While serving aboard the battleship West Virginia during the Japanese attack, Miller helped rescue scores of wounded or trapped shipmates and later helped move the ship’s mortally wounded captain to a more sheltered area. 10 visit in 2010 to celebrate 75 years of America’s Favorite Drive. Families love visiting Virginia and the new guide is full of ideas to inspire new family traditions. Fun in the sun rules in Virginia with pages dedicated to theme park thrills, kid-friend- ly resorts and a new Just for Kids section, with insider tips for family favorites. People who love the outdoors will love Virginia. The 2010 travel guide showcases Virginia’s beautiful hiking and biking trails, state and national parks, fishing, and water and snow sports, including the only place in the nation to ski and snow- board outdoors, year-round. As the 150th anniversary of the Civil War approaches in 2011, Virginia’s central role in this important period of American’ history will be front and center. The 2010 travel Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com