Victory Day Rhode Island 2022: Victory Day bears special significance in Rhode Island as a state holiday celebrated on the second Monday of August. Established to honor the conclusion of the Second World War, it recalls the historic moment when Japan declared its surrender on August 14, 1945.
Rhode Island’s unique observance of Victory Day makes it distinct from other states in the United States. The holiday, which became official in 1948, serves as a sad reminder of the sacrifices made and the victory of peace over war. Its position on the second Monday of August gives inhabitants a dedicated occasion to reflect on the historical events that shaped the World and to thank the warriors who played a key role in attaining victory.
While Victory Day has met some criticism in recent years for its apparent concentration on Japan’s surrender and the use of atomic bombs, proponents stress the wider context of the United States joining the war in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Rhode Island, with its substantial veteran community and historical link to the war, preserves the remembrance as a monument to the perseverance and devotion of its residents.
As Rhode Islanders get together on this second Monday in August, Victory Day serves as a moment for meditation, remembering, and appreciation of the enduring legacy of the Second World War on the state and the country.
What is Victory Day and why is Rhode Island the only state that observes it?
Rhode Island’s beaches may experience higher-than-usual visitation this Monday as millions of heroic Americans who fought in World War II are recognized. On August 14, the Ocean State marks Victory Day, honoring the war’s ending with Japan’s surrender on August 14, 1945.
Established in Rhode Island in 1948, Victory Day is one of the ten state holidays listed on the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s website, always held on the second Monday of August.
Rhode Island stands alone in honoring Victory Day, a practice that has garnered scrutiny in recent years. Critics say that it singles out the Japanese people and glorifies the use of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which led to Japan’s surrender. In rebuttal, advocates note that the United States joined the war against Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbor, with many Rhode Islanders actively engaging and risking their lives in the struggle.
As Victory Day comes, certain ceremonies are planned to honor the event. The Pawtucket Veterans Council and the City of Pawtucket are planning a ceremony at 11 a.m., paying respect to Victory Day, at the Pawtucket Veterans Monument beside City Hall.
History of Victory Day
Following the U.S.’s deployment of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Imperial Japan surrendered, culminating in the conclusion of World War II. The public declaration of Japan’s surrender came on August 15, 1945, although due to time zone disparities, it was received on August 14 in the United States. The ceremonial surrender ceremony happened on September 2, 1945, onboard the USS Missouri battleship.
In 1946, President Harry S. Truman named August 14 as Victory Day. Rhode Island created Victory Day in the spring of 1948, three years after the war’s end, through legislation sponsored by Rep. Richard Windsor, a loyal East Providence Republican.
While New York recognized V-J Day multiple times in the late 1940s and Arkansas briefly enacted “World War II Memorial Day” in 1949, Rhode Island remains the sole state with a formal holiday marking the war’s end. This continuity is linked to the state’s large veteran population and the tremendous sacrifice made by its residents, who suffered a higher proportion of war-related deaths than most other states. Additionally, Rhode Island’s large union presence contributes to the challenge of eliminating a holiday once established.
In 1990, the state General Assembly reaffirmed the holiday’s purpose, affirming that while Victory Day persisted, it was not a celebration of the damage and death caused by nuclear bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Rhode Island stands as the sole U.S. state recognizing the war’s end, although across Europe, Victory Day is a popular celebration. The war finished in Europe on May 8, 1945, enabling countries like France and the Czech Republic to honor Victory Day on May 8, while those further east, especially former Soviet Union republics, celebrate on May 9.
Rhode Island loses when it celebrates Victory Day
Rhode Island stands alone among the states in commemorating Victory Day, a state holiday that observes the triumph over Japan in World War II. Previously known as Victory Over Japan or V.J. Day, the celebration that takes place in August holds historical significance due to the nuclear weapons attacks of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, followed by Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, marking the conclusion of World War II.
While the festival remembers a crucial event in history, some detractors think that its tone is basically racist and aimed toward Japan and its people. Today, Japan stands as a peaceful nation and a great friend of the United States, underlining the change in world relations since the war’s end approximately 80 years ago.
It’s crucial to underline that the attention on Japan on Victory Day also influences Japanese-Americans, including those residing in Rhode Island. The holiday’s historical setting intertwines with the anti-Japanese feelings and prejudice common during World War II, culminating in the unjust mass internment of Japanese-Americans on the West Coast in government-sanctioned prison camps. Many Japanese-Americans, especially those born in these camps, firmly recall this sad chapter in U.S. history, and Victory Day serves as an annual reminder, ensuring that the racially tinged events of the past are not forgotten.
Why Rhode Island is the only state that celebrates Victory Day
Victory Day is a special midsummer event in Ocean State.
This Monday marks Rhode Island’s 74th annual Victory Day, keeping its unique status as the sole place in America honoring the end of World War II with a legal holiday. While Victory Day’s joyful ceremony transpired on August 14, the holiday is now celebrated on the second Monday in August. Contrary to common belief, the true name of Rhode Island’s holiday has always been “Victory Day” on the statute books, going back to its inception in 1948.
Rhode Island has kept its special event since 1975, when Arkansas eliminated its August 14 observance from the list of recognized holidays. Despite allegations on certain websites saying Victory Day was originally a government holiday, there is no trace of it in a comprehensive 1999 U.S. Senate report on the topic.
The New York Times recognized Victory Day, often referred to as “V-J Day,” as an important legal holiday in Rhode Island as far back as the 1950s. Author Len Travers, in the “Encyclopedia of American Holidays and National Days,” stresses Rhode Island’s tenacity in celebrating August 14, stressing its unusual interplay of state, municipal, national, and foreign politics.
How to Observe Victory Day
Explore the Holiday:
Given its issues, U.S. Victory Day continues to be a yearly event in Rhode Island. Delve deeper into the reasons behind its importance and understand why it continues to be cherished.
Visit a Veteran:
Rhode Island has become a retirement sanctuary for some soldiers. If you know a World War II veteran resident in the state, consider giving them a visit to give gratitude for their service. Engage in a conversation to get their viewpoint on the challenges affecting U.S. Victory Day.
Organize an Event:
Collaborate with your community to plan an event remembering U.S. Victory Day. Extend invitations to World War II veterans, providing them with an opportunity to gather together, share their tales, and create a feeling of community.
Is Victory Day a federal holiday in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is the only state in the union that celebrates Victory Day as a state holiday, observing the World War II victory over Japan.
The event is a reminder of America’s success in World Conflict II. While the fight developed largely in the Pacific theater, important combat also happened in Europe against Germany and Italy. Despite the widespread suffering and casualties in all areas, Rhode Island specifically celebrates victory over Japan and does not extend the same observance to successes over Germany and Italy. The current viewpoint questions the legitimacy of celebrating any wartime success from World War II.
Rhode Island’s inhabitants played a key part in supporting the war effort, donating guns, equipment, and troops to aid America’s success. The state suffered a tremendous number of casualties, with over 2,000 young men and women losing their lives in Asia and Europe during the fight. Certain veterans’ organizations and families of World War II veterans aim to keep the memories of these contributions and sacrifices.
Despite being an official Rhode Island holiday since the late 1940s, the Victory Over Japan commemoration gets criticism for its limited focus. The lack of continuous political will or social pressure to change or eliminate the holiday raises questions about its sustainability for another 75 years. Advocates argue in favor of giving tribute to sacrifices and sufferings, underlining the need to keep the holiday as an officially sanctioned state remembrance to provide Rhode Island workers with a day off. The established nature of the holiday causes obstacles for future modifications.
Is August 14 a holiday in Rhode Island?
Victory Day is another official Rhode Island state holiday, observed on the second Monday in August. It commemorates the end of World War II on August 14, 1945, when Japan surrendered to the United States and its allies. Rhode Island is the only state in the United States that has a holiday for Victory Day.
Rhode Island’s beaches are projected to see higher-than-usual crowds on Monday, thanks to the millions of courageous Americans who fought in World War II.
On August 14, the Ocean State marks Victory Day, representing the conclusion of World War II with Japan’s surrender on August 14, 1945. This commemoration recalls the sacrifices and victories of those who served during the war, marking the important time when Japan conceded, leading to the end of the global conflict. The significance of Victory Day goes beyond historical knowledge, resonating with the collective appreciation and remembering of the heroic individuals who played a role in winning peace.
As Rhode Island marks this milestone, the beaches may experience an influx of people anxious to enjoy the holiday and reflect on the enduring impact of the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation.
Why does Rhode Island celebrate Victory Day?
Victory Day is an annual holiday that marks when Japan surrendered to the US, following two atomic bombs — one in Hiroshima on August 6, and another on Nagasaki three days later — being dropped on the country. The holiday was established in Rhode Island and Arkansas three years later.
Expressing grief about the lengthy commemoration of the Victory of Japan (V.J.) Day in Rhode Island, which has been an official state holiday since the late 1940s, raises worries about the need for more appropriate political will or community pressure for its revision. Despite occasional talks, there has been limited momentum to change or cancel the holiday, leaving room for the chance that V.J. Day could continue for another 75 years.
While arguments in support of retaining the holiday stress the desire to honor the sacrifices and suffering experienced during World War II, there’s also a perception that the legislatively sanctioned official state holiday ensures Rhode Island workers get a dedicated day off. This established status makes it tough to adopt any reforms.
However, there’s a mounting concern over the racial connotations of the festival, especially amid the contemporary milieu of anti-Asian views and violence across the country. Japanese American families and other persons of Asian origin may feel embarrassed to participate in public activities on Victory Day, underlining the importance of thoughtful awareness of the holiday’s effect on different cultures.
What is National day of Rhode Island?
October 5
National Rhode Island Day is celebrated on October 5 every year. In 2024 National Rhode Island Day will occur on a Saturday.
Embrace the celebration of National Rhode Island Day on October 5 and pay tribute to the unique past of this small yet powerful state! Despite being the smallest state in the US, Rhode Island boasts a rich culture and historical background. As one of the original 13 colonies, Rhode Island has been at the forefront of industry since colonial times and contributed greatly to the American Revolution.
It holds some of the nation’s top summer sites, including Newport, Block Island, and Narragansett Bay. Join in the activities on October 5 to recognize and respect all that makes Rhode Island different!
Is Victory Day time and a half in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island State Holidays in 2024
Employers in Rhode Island are obliged to pay their employees at a rate of 1.5 times their regular pay on Sundays and certain holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Victory Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.
Employers in Rhode Island are forced to pay their workers at a rate of 1.5 times their usual wage on Sundays and certain holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Victory Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Rhode Island state holidays bring joy and celebration for employees spending time with their loved ones, while firms encounter the problem of keeping flawless corporate operations. Striking a balance is vital – allowing personnel holiday enjoyment while keeping corporate viability.
This article gives a thorough overview of the Rhode Island state holiday calendar, going into leave and labor legislation important for businesses. Additionally, we’ll study how applying the proper technology may assist firms in keeping legal compliance and producing a content and productive team.
The Rhode Island General Assembly has passed a resolution clearly noting that “Victory Day is not a day to express satisfaction in the destruction and death caused by nuclear bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”
Despite the attendant issues, the prevailing feeling is that such a holiday serves as a vital reminder of the sacrifices made by troops, especially those who faced the tribulations of being taken as prisoners of war. Veteran groups and their friends zealously mark this big day, typically partaking in memorial programs dedicated to commemorating warriors.
As a state holiday, Victory Day results in the shutdown of state and local government offices throughout Rhode Island. While most banks remain closed, federal offices, like the United States Postal Service, continue regular operations. Public transit schedules may vary from the ordinary on this day. The focus on remembrance and honoring veterans highlights the multifaceted nature of Victory Day, blending the recognition of historical difficulties with the value of appreciating and celebrating the sacrifices made by those who served.
