Senate Resolution Honors 80 Years of Stars and Stripes as Military's 'Hometown Newspaper'

This resolution is a formal Senate nod to the Stars and Stripes newspaper, marking the 80th anniversary of its continuous operations in the Pacific. Essentially, it’s a high-five from Congress to a publication that’s been serving U.S. troops and their families since World War II, recognizing its role as the “hometown newspaper” for the military community stationed across the globe.

The Long History of Service

For most people, a newspaper is something you read with your morning coffee, but for service members stationed far from home, Stars and Stripes has been a vital link. The resolution details that the paper’s history actually goes back to the Civil War and was re-established by General John J. Pershing during World War I. The specific anniversary being recognized is the continuous Pacific operation that started in Honolulu in May 1945 and moved to Tokyo later that year. This is a purely commemorative move, acknowledging the paper's importance through conflicts like Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Think of it as recognizing the one constant news source that follows military families wherever they go, providing familiar headlines and local-to-them news.

Adaptation in the Digital Age

One interesting point the resolution makes is how Stars and Stripes has managed to keep up with the times. While print readership has dropped everywhere, the resolution notes that the publication has successfully adapted, using internet versions, social media, and other digital products. According to the resolution, the paper currently reaches about 1,400,000 readers every single day. This shows that even a historical institution understands that if you want to reach the 25-to-45 crowd—the core demographic of active military personnel—you have to be online. The resolution specifically honors all current and former personnel of the paper for their diligent service to the military community.

What This Means for Everyday Life

Since this is a Senate resolution, it doesn't change any laws, allocate any money, or impose any new regulations. It’s a non-binding, purely symbolic gesture. For the average person, this resolution doesn't impact their taxes, their job, or their commute. However, for the hundreds of thousands of people serving overseas, or those who have served, this resolution formally acknowledges the value of a publication that often provides much-needed morale and connection to home. It’s Congress saying, “We see the people who keep our military informed and connected, and we appreciate their work.”