As a veteran, it's personal for me to see the honor of a war hero preserved. Doris "Dorie" Miller was an extraordinary man who represented the courage and dedication of Black service members during a pivotal moment in history. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, Miller displayed unprecedented bravery in the face of danger, earning him the Navy Cross, a prestigious and rare recognition for his heroic actions as he continued defending his fellow servicemen, despite being under intense enemy fire. His story remains an inspiration, breaking barriers for African Americans in the military.

Last year, the US Navy made the praiseworthy decision to name an aircraft carrier after Miller, making it the first aircraft carrier in US history named in honor of an African American. This event marked a significant step towards rectifying the historical oversight and underrepresentation of Black heroes in our military history. However, troubling reports suggest that there are now internal conversations within the Navy about renaming this carrier to honor President Donald Trump.

This is not just an issue of naming but a matter of upholding the values that true heroes like Doris Miller stood for. Dorie Miller's legacy is a symbol of diversity, courage, and the fight against racism, which the Navy should strive to promote. Changing the carrier's name away from Miller would erode the strides made to honor underrepresented veterans and diminish the progress of acknowledging their contributions to our nation's history.

The decision to rename a vessel of such magnitude and historical importance is not permanent but reversible. Let us urge the US Navy to uphold its original commitment to honoring Doris Miller. In changing this name, the Navy would overlook the meaningful progress of promoting equality and diversity in military recognition.

We urge the Navy's decision-makers to maintain the dignity and national respect bestowed upon Doris Miller by keeping his name on the new aircraft carrier. This act does not just serve to honor a hero but sets a precedent for future generations about what true heroism and sacrifice mean in America. The courage and dedication Miller displayed is exactly the legacy we should propel into the future.

Sign this petition to ensure that Doris Miller’s unparalleled heroism and service to our nation continues to be recognized appropriately. Let us not allow this potential injustice against one of our nation's heroes to go unchecked. Together, we can protect the legacy of Doris Miller and keep his story alive for future generations.