![]() ![]() It celebrates, rightfully, the end of slavery. Certainly, the end of World War II deserves the same level of observance, not only at the state level, but nationally. Rather than renaming our state holiday something silly like “Play in the Bay Day” we should retain it as Victory Day and encourage its formal establishment as a holiday throughout the Country.Īs a post-script to this argument, it is ironic that the same voices who wish to abolish Victory Day in August are never raised in complaint of the observance of Armistice Day in November. Is that not a similar racist holiday? Of course not. It is, in fact, the commemoration of the end of World War I. It is not. It is a commemoration of the end of the greatest threat to our way of life that has ever occurred. Recently the new national holiday “Juneteenth” was declared. North America would not become divided into territories of Germany and Japan. Consequently, among the freedoms that you enjoy from that herculean achievement is the fact that today you speak the language of your choice rather than the one that would have been imposed by a military occupation of your neighborhood.Įvery year at this time there are a few well-intended, but ignorant, people who complain about the observance of Victory Day as a holiday in Rhode Island. They seem to have no understanding of, or appreciation for, the enormous significance of the end of World War II. Perhaps their education was so lacking as to have subordinated that often unpleasant history to popular liberal social concerns. They complain that Victory Day is somehow a racist symbol on the August calendar. Heres a look at whats open and closed in Rhode Island for the holiday. I am referring to the language that you use to communicate. It probably is not German or Japanese. It very well could have been, but there was a generation of Americans, bonded with allies, who fought the greatest war the world has ever known and achieved victory in 1945. The Axis powers were crushed, and there was no chance that foreign armies would invade the United States in the 20th century. Since Victory Day is a state holiday, federal services will be open, while certain municipal services have been affected. I am more than happy to meet in the upcoming weeks or talk via phone or email.You probably don’t do it when you shop at the mall. You probably don’t do it when you are with friends at the beach. You probably don’t do it when you talk or text on your smartphone. I know I am coming to you late in the legislative process but I hope this letter and project encourage you to start thinking about next year and August 10, 2020. May 19, 2021: Rhode Island did not report new county cases and deaths. ![]() Additionally, I’m making a small postcard explaining the project, and sending this letter to you and other elected officials. 9, 2021: Rhode Island did not release data because of Victory Day, a state holiday. The current political climate has intensified feelings of xenophobia this day contributes to negative feelings of difference for myself and others.Īs part of my efforts to encourage Rhode Islanders to reconsider Victory Day, I’m creating a series of posters reimagining the holiday name. CRANSTON, RI Monday is Victory Day, a holiday commemorating World War II only celebrated in Rhode Island. Victory Day has always reminded me of this time in her life. Mage was a 15-1 long shot to win the 2023 Kentucky Derby. My grandmother was relocated to an internment camp during World War II. I feel, however, that this day has become more a day to visit the beach than to remember our veterans. Victory Day: Government Holiday: Rhode Island only. Rhode Island played a critical role in the war, and the veterans who fought in the war deserve to be honored. Comprehensive list of National and Regional Public Holidays that are celebrated in Rhode Island, USA during 2021 with dates and information on the origin and meaning of holidays. I do not intend this letter to discredit the sacrifice of those who served in World War II. Seasonal & Holidays Victory Day 2021: What's Open, Closed In East Providence Rhode Island is the only state to celebrate Victory Day each August. ![]() What is the victory over? What are we commemorating? ![]() It is impossible to explain ‘Victory Day’ as a holiday. Rhode Island has technically never celebrated ‘Victory over Japan Day’ (recognized as September 2) we instead celebrate ‘Victory Day’ (as the second Monday of August since 1966 though initially recognized on August 14). Though I have lived here for thirteen years, I still have difficulty explaining why we take ‘Victory Day’ as a state holiday. I have lived and worked in Rhode Island since 2006. “I am writing to you at the height of our Rhode Island summer-hopefully you can read this while at the beach! ![]()
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