December 9, 2025
Mr. Gallego (for himself and Mr. Sullivan) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
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 its permanent formation during World War II, Stars and Stripes 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 commenced printing in Tokyo on October 3, 1945, working in requisitioned space formally occupied by the Japan Times;
Whereas Stars and Stripes has continuously covered news, not only for military service members and Department of Defense civilian employees, but to United States veterans, families of veterans, current service members, and contractor personnel, particularly those serving overseas, in conflicts since World War II, including conflicts taking place in Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan;
Whereas while readership of print 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.