The Six Triple Eight Ending Explained: What Happened to Lena and the Other Women of the 6888 Battalion?
The Six Triple Eight Ending Explained: Based on a true story and witness accounts, The Six Triple Eight is a Netflix war drama that follows the Army’s first and only African American Women’s Corps that fought in World War II. Despite racism, machismo, and strenuous working conditions, they pledged to serve their country with honor and excellence. What happened to the women who were entrusted with a special mission that brought hope and broke down barriers? Next, shall I tell you the main moments of the film written and directed by Tyler Perry? Lena Derriecott (Ebony Obsidian) decides to join the army after receiving the news of the tragic death of her beloved Abram David (Gregg Sulkin) on the battlefield. Despite opposition from his family, the pilot promised to marry Lena after returning from Europe. When that did not happen, she began to rethink her future and chose to follow Abram’s path in hopes of finding it.
Although Lena’s mother and grandmother disagree with the brave young woman’s decision, they accept the resolution with faith that she will not leave Georgia because of her skin color. However, in the middle of the conflict, the situation changes and Lena, like the rest of the women of “The Six Triple Eight” plays a very important role in the war. The Six Triple Eight tells the inspiring true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only one composed exclusively of black women during World War II. Led by Major Charity Adams (Kerry Washington), these women faced the challenge of organizing 17 million accumulated letters, vital to the morale of the soldiers at the front. Despite adverse conditions and racism, they managed to fulfill their mission in record time, becoming unrecognized heroines of the war.
The Six Triple Eight Ending Explained: The Story Plot
The plot of the film The Six Triple Eight up Netflix is focused on Battalion 6888, made up of African American women. It all starts with the President of the United States, Roosevelt, who learns that the allied forces are unable to receive and send letters to their loved ones, as there are too many. Hence his decision to lift the morale of soldiers and civilians by delivering letters. No general is willing to enter this logistical nightmare. For this, Mary McLeod Bethune decided to support Battalion 6888, led by Charity Adams. The generals don’t trust them, so much so that they don’t entrust these women to do any missions.
Bethune then decides to implement the mission of delivering letters, with a deadline of six months. Adams takes responsibility for making this plan a success. But does Battalion 6888 manage to deliver the 17 million letters in just 6 months? Many addresses are illegible, as they are stained. Not only that, but the group is also not given any help and is based on a ruined school in Glasgow. Over time they manage to build a stable operating system, but in the first two months, no letter reaches its destination. Meanwhile, God’s officers, including General Halt, attempt to block the operation, convinced that African American women should not read soldiers’ letters.
The Six Triple Eight Ending Explained: What Happened to Lena and the Other Women of the 6888 Battalion?
On the train on the way to Fort Oglethorpe, the women who joined the army are separated by color, thus forming the 6888-battalion led by Major Charity Adams (Kerry Washington), who from day one warns his group that they will have to deal with racist and misogynistic individuals. And even though they underestimate them, they must prove that they are fit to wear those uniforms. Lena, along with colleagues such as Bernice Baker (Kylie Jefferson), Johnnie Mae (Shanice Shantay), Dolores Washington (Sarah Jeffery), and Elaine White (Pepi Sonuga), receives military training but does not appear to be strong enough to resist the rhythm and discipline. But everything changes after an exercise in which he sees Abram encouraging him. Despite their efforts, Major Charity Adams’ battalion is ignored, and other less skilled soldiers are dispatched to Europe.
As Adams claims about that situation, Eleanor Roosevelt (Susan Sarandon) learns about the collapse of the mail system and its impact on soldiers and their families, so she takes action on the matter. General Halt (Dean Norris) is forced to execute the order and send the “The Six Triple Eight” battalion to Europe to resolve the chaos. Underestimating the abilities of these women, he gives them six months to complete the mission, makes them travel in appalling conditions, and forces them to march to the operations center. Major Charity Adams receives the mission with enthusiasm and commitment until she discovers that it is a job that others did not get due to the number of cards accumulated and their conditions. Despite what it implies and the obstacles that the superiors put on them, the women of the 6888 battalion demonstrate their value by taking on the challenge.
What Happens to the Protagonists?
The end of The Six Triple Eight highlights the impact of the battalion and the personal struggles of its members. After completing its mission in record time, the battalion manages to reestablish communication between the soldiers and their families, giving a crucial boost of morale in the last year of the war. However, recognition does not come immediately. Upon their return to the United States, women face the same discrimination as before, with no parades or honors to commemorate their work. In an emotional final scene, it is revealed that Lena Derriecott King (Ebony Obsidian), one of the battalion members, married soldier Hugh Bell, while Major Charity Adams dedicated her life to education and activism, leaving a legacy indelible. The real Lena, at 100 years old, appears at the end of the film, sharing details of the life of the members after the war and their struggle to be remembered.
The Impact of the 6888th Battalion During the War?
The 6888th Battalion not only solved a crucial logistical problem but also restored hope to soldiers and their families. The letters delivered at the end of the film symbolize the human connection amid chaos, a reminder of what they were struggling to preserve. Although the women were looked down upon by their peers, their work was etched in the memory of those who received their letters and understood the importance of their work.
Does the Battalion Send All the Letters?
Among the difficulties, the turning point comes when Lena understands how to locate a particular soldier, to find all the men in his division. On the letters, many of them draw their division patches to make their loved ones understand where they were sent from. In this way, Lena understands how to find their position. Well in 90 days, the 6888 battalion delivers 17 million letters.
Who Are the Soldiers and Pilots of the First Part?
At the beginning of the film, we see a soldier walking along a trench while there is a shooting and an air raid. One of his planes crashes and he tries to save the pilot, but it’s late now. In his pocket, he finds a bloody letter and takes it. During the film, the message arrives at Battalion 6888 and arrives in the hands of Johnnie Mae. Well, it’s Abram, the person Lena is in love with. It turns out that the man is buried in the military cemetery and Adams talks about it with Lena. The latter eventually finds his grave and reads his letter. Abram had written to her that he was sure he would not survive, but she hoped that her letter would come to her. He asks her to live her life happily for both of us. Also, he apologizes for not telling her before he loves her.
Did They Receive any Recognition?
It was not until decades after the battalion received the recognition it deserved. During Barack Obama’s presidency, members of the 6888th Battalion were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, and a monument was erected in their memory. In the final credits of the film, Michelle Obama appears to pay tribute to the last survivors of the battalion, underscoring the importance of her story.
The Message of The Six Triple Eight
The Six Triple Eight is a story of resilience and hope. Despite racism and sexism, these women demonstrated their worth, overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles to doing the right thing. His ingenuity and determination left an indelible mark on history, reminding us that even the lesser-known stories of bravery and sacrifice deserve to be told.
Conclusion of The Six Triple Eight
The Six Triple Eight not only celebrates the logistical achievement of these women but also their fight against the social barriers of their time. It is a work that puts forgotten heroines at the center, showing that true heroism does not always seek glory, but human impact. With an emotional final tribute, the film highlights the importance of recognizing those who opened paths and left us a legacy of courage and perseverance.
What Means The End Of The Six Triple Eight?
After weeks of work, most cards are returned because they cannot reach their recipients, making Major Adams’ enemies happy. Following Roosevelt’s death, General Halt sets out to declare the failure of that mission and even organizes a review visit to gather evidence against the major in command. However, the women of the 6888 battalion do an excellent job and manage to determine the fate of each of the letters from the soldiers and relatives. Lena is one of those who contributes the most and receives her reward when she finds the letter that her beloved Abram sent her. He also finds his grave and can fire him from his great love. In addition, two of the women on the team die from an explosion while on their mission. When General Halt refuses to provide them with an appropriate burial, his companions take care of the burial.
So Major Adams confronts him without caring that he can take her to court-martial. Before General Halt can continue his plans, most letters reach his recipients, giving hope to soldiers and their families, which is essential amid war. From then on, the women of The Six Triple Eight receive some recognition, although not all they deserve. Upon returning to the United States, their contribution was not discussed, and they were not thanked for their service. At the end of The Six Triple Eight, the real Lena says that only years later they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, and the US Army base Fort Lee changed its name to Fort Gregg-Adams, in honor of Lieutenant General Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams.
