What Victory Day means to veterans as RI considers renaming holiday

August 9, 2024 12:46 pm

Josh Kurman,

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Today marks 79 years since the bombing of the Japanese city of Nagaski, the second atomic bomb dropped leading to Japan’s surrender and ultimately the end of World War II.

Rhode Island’s “Victory Day” is taking place on Monday.

Rhode Island is the only state in the U.S. to still celebrate Victory Day, commemorating the conclusion of World War II, and remembering those who served.

“Victory Day, again, is an important reminder of the sacrifices these veterans made for this nation,” said Director of the Veteran’s Association, Larry Connell.

Connell said there are around 115,000 World War II veterans left in the VA, but as they get older we lose around 130 every day.

“We here at the Providence VA Hospital treat those veterans. And we’re very proud when we see a World War II veteran coming through our door, they’re kind of like VIP’s,” he said.

“Because again there’s not many left. And in another 5 years, I don’t know if there will be any left. Because these guys are getting quite old, all of them are just about over 100 years old,” he added.

While the holidays’ intention is good, its name has drawn criticism, with groups saying it’s been used as an excuse for violence or prejudice against Japanese Americans.

Until around 1975, Arkansas celebrated the holiday as well, under the name “World War II Memorial Day.”

Connell said so long as we remember their service, the name doesn’t make much of a difference to him at least.

“Whatever you call it, just don’t forget the sacrifice those veterans made during world war two. I think that’s the takeaway here, call it whatever day you want but we should never forget the sacrifice they made,” he said.

A bill was introduced last year to change the name to “Peace and Remembrance Day” but the bill was held for further study.

Victory Day is still a state holiday in Rhode Island, meaning offices will be closed, bus schedules will be different, and several events will be scheduled across the ocean state.