Stars and Stripes Museum/Library
17377 Stars and Stripes Way
P.O. Box 1861
Bloomfield, MO 63825

Phone: (573) 568-2055
Email: stripes@newwavecomm.net

Web Site: http://www.starsandstripesmuseumlibrary.org

On November 9, 1861, soldiers of the Illinois 8th, 11th, 18th, and 29th Regiments, after forcing the Confederates south, set up camp in Bloomfield, Missouri. Upon finding the newspaper office empty, they decided to print a newspaper for their expedition, relating the troop's activities. They called it The Stars and Stripes. This was the beginning of the "Soldier's Newspaper" 145 years ago.
Today, the Stars and Stripes Museum/Library is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Stars and Stripes newspaper through exhibits that tell the story of those who have served in America’s wars. The Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and the current war in Iraq are represented in our displays. Poster size copies of the newspaper tie the newspaper stories to the items in the museum.
Special events are held at the museum to note D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and other notable historic military events. This year the museum is planning a Vietnam Living History Day to remember those who served in Vietnam. This will take place on July 22, 2006, and we invite all veterans and their families to visit us and share in this remembrance.
Among other events, there will be an awards ceremony of the Order of the Silver Rose to qualified Vietnam veterans suffering from exposure to Agent Orange.
We also ask veterans and their families to consider donating items from that war for permanent display in the museum. In the 10 years of the Vietnam War, tactics and operations changed to adapt to the enemy as well as the terrain differences from the Delta to the DMZ. The Marines differed from the various Army units. The Navy operations included ships offshore, aircraft, and in-country personnel. The Air Force flew a wide range of aircraft from bases in Vietnam as well as numerous bases outside of Vietnam. It was a complicated war, and our mission is to preserve the history and to educate future generations about those who served.
Monetary donations to continue the operations of the Museum/Library are always appreciated.
Any organizations wishing to participate in this day of recognition may contact the museum/library for more information.