Why does rhode island celebrate victory day

It struck our newsroom in a different way, knowing how few men and women are left to tell those stories. And he was right back in France as he spoke about it. It won't be too many more years before we won't be able to hear stories like that directly from the participants in the war. By Arun Rath. Marilyn Schairer. August 13, All Things Considered. Share Email Facebook Tweet.

Arun Rath arunrath. Marilyn Schairer MarilynSchairer. Trustworthy journalism, available for free to everyone. Donors make that happen, and every donor counts. If you can right now, please consider a donation in any amount. Donate now. Related Stories. November 9, AM. Nonetheless there are people who hope to one day celebrate the holiday under a new name or educate young Americans more about the Japanese culture in modern society.

Rhode Island celebrates Victory Day as a state holiday but many communities within the US hold special events to honor the day. State and municipal offices are closed in Rhode Island on Victory Day.

Most banks are closed although not all but federal offices are open as are many stores, including retail stores, liquor stores and supermarkets. Mail delivery is on a regular schedule.

Some bus services may not operate to their usual schedules during state holidays so those planning to use public transit services may need to check with the appropriate transport authorities prior to travel.

With the state's strong links to the US Navy, it may not be too surprising that the state still celebrates what is a controversial day. Victory Day is a legal holiday celebrated in Rhode Island that commemorates the day Japan announced its surrender marking the end of the Second World War.

Victory Day was established in the state three years after the Second World War ended, in March , when the General Assembly passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Richard Windsor, a long-serving East Providence Republican. Since Victory Day is a state holiday and not a federal holiday, many state offices in Rhode Island will be closed to observe the day. We must look beyond our triumph to recognize the horror of war. Framing the holiday to recognize the entirety of the experience of war instead of just victory is an opportunity for Japanese and Americans alike to consider the horrors of war and pay their respects to all those that suffered, including those that served.

Former state Rep. To try to dilute the purpose of Victory Day would be a travesty.