This resolution recognizes the 80th anniversary of the continuous operations of the Stars and Stripes newspaper in the Pacific and commends its invaluable service to the Armed Forces community worldwide.
Ruben Gallego
Senator
AZ
This resolution recognizes the 80th anniversary of the continuous operations of the *Stars and Stripes* newspaper in the Pacific. It commends the military newspaper for its invaluable, long-standing service as the "hometown newspaper" for members of the Armed Forces, civilian employees, and their families worldwide. The resolution honors the dedication of all personnel who have contributed to its mission since its establishment.
Resolution Honors 80 Years of Stars and Stripes as Military's 'Hometown Newspaper'
This resolution is a formal shout-out to the Stars and Stripes newspaper, officially recognizing the 80th anniversary of its continuous operations in the Pacific, which kicked off on May 14, 1945. Essentially, Congress is giving a nod to the paper for being the long-running, reliable news source—the "hometown newspaper"—for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Department of Defense civilians, and their families stationed all over the globe.
The Long History of the Paper of Record
For those unfamiliar, Stars and Stripes isn't just a modern publication; its roots go way back to the Civil War, and it was firmly established during World War I by General John J. Pershing to boost morale. The resolution points out that President Harry S. Truman himself called it a "cherished and important soldier's institution." This isn't about setting new policy or spending money; it’s about recognizing that for decades, this newspaper has been a crucial, stabilizing presence for people whose lives often involve constant movement and deployment (Bill Section 1, 2).
A Constant in Conflict Zones
Think about what it’s like to be deployed far from home. You need news that matters to you, your unit, and your family. The resolution highlights that Stars and Stripes has been there, providing coverage through every major conflict since WWII—from Korea and Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s the paper that tells military families what’s happening on base and back home. For a soldier or a civilian contractor overseas, this paper is a tangible connection to the community they share, offering news that the local foreign press might miss (Bill Section 3).
Adapting to the Digital Age
While the print newspaper is a classic image, the resolution acknowledges that like every media outlet, Stars and Stripes has had to adapt. It specifically recognizes the shift to internet versions, social media, and other digital products to keep delivering news to a community that is increasingly mobile and online. The paper now reaches an estimated 1,400,000 readers daily, proving that even a publication with a WWII heritage can successfully transition to the modern digital landscape to serve its unique audience (Bill Section 4).
Ultimately, this resolution is a formal commendation. It congratulates and honors the past and present staff of Stars and Stripes for their diligent service. It’s a nice piece of recognition for a group of journalists and support staff who work hard to keep a specialized, globally dispersed community informed and connected (Bill Section 5).