November 7, 2025
Mr. Gallego submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
Recognizing the 80th anniversary of the commencement of
continuous operations of Stars and Stripes in the Pacific and the
invaluable service of the Stars and Stripes as the hometown
newspaper
for members of the Armed Forces, civilian employees, and family
members stationed around the world.
Whereas May 14, 2025, marked the 80th anniversary of the commencement of continuous operations, in service to the military community of the United States, of Stars and Stripes in the Pacific, a military newspaper established in Honolulu to provide an independent, uncensored news source for members of the Armed Forces fighting in World War II;
Whereas Stars and Stripes was heralded for indispensable service when it was initially established during the Civil War and again during World War I, when General John J. Pershing reestablished Stars and Stripes to provide news and information as an important morale-building force for soldiers serving in the American Expeditionary Forces;
Whereas, after it its permanent formation during World War II, Stars and Stripes commenced printing in Tokyo on October 3, 1945, working in requisitioned space formally occupied by the Japan Times, and excelled in its mission across every theater of war, leading President Harry S. Truman to state, In Africa, Europe, and the Pacific, Stars and Stripes has established itself as a cherished and important soldier’s institution
;
Whereas Stars and Stripes has continuously covered news about the military, for the military
in conflicts since World War II, including conflicts taking place in Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan;
Whereas, while readership of newspapers has declined in recent years as technology has evolved, Stars and Stripes has innovated in finding new ways and products to deliver the hometown news
to the broadest portion of military community; and
Whereas, through internet versions of the newspaper, social media, and other media products, Stars and Stripes is now reaching 1,400,000 readers every day: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the commencement of continuous operations of Stars and Stripes in the Pacific—
(1)
commemorates this important milestone in the history of an important institution of the United States; and
(2)
congratulates and honors the men and women of Stars and Stripes, past and present, who have so diligently served the United States military community.