Rhode Island celebrates U.S. Victory Day annually on the second Monday of August, and this year it falls on August 14. The day commemorates the public proclamation of Japan’s unconditional surrender to the Allies, which marked the end of World War II. Rhode Island is the only state that celebrates this holiday, and there have been numerous attempts to alter its name. Nevertheless, it is still celebrated as U.S. Victory Day, presumably because the holiday was never intended to serve any other purpose.
The background of US Victory Day
The first celebration of U.S. Victory Day in Rhode Island occurred on August 14, 1948. The day has been observed on the second Monday of August since 1966. Rhode Island and Arkansas were reportedly the only two states to observe the holiday. Arkansas ceased celebrating U.S. Victory Day in 1975 and renamed the holiday World War II Memorial Day. Although there have been debates about this holiday, Rhode Island continues to observe it. The continuance of the holiday is also due to the state’s large number of retired veterans.
In the mid-1980s, as Japan’s economic power grew, there was reportedly a heated debate over whether or not to eliminate U.S. Victory Day. While Japanese officials claimed that the holiday was harming commerce between the two countries, a local Chamber of Commerce representative deemed the situation “embarrassing.” However, Rhode Island had its own defence. In 1990, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed a resolution stating that “Victory Day is not a day to express satisfaction in the destruction and death caused by the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”
Despite the controversy, it is believed that such a holiday is necessary to honour the sacrifices made by veterans, particularly those who were taken prisoner of war. Veterans Day is observed by veteran groups and their supporters, and events may include a ceremony honouring veterans. Rhode Island’s state and local government agencies are closed due to a state holiday. The majority of banks are closed, but federal institutions, such as the United States Postal Service, remain operational. Public transportation may operate outside of its typical schedule.
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5 RHODE ISLAND FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Rhode Island’s 1,214 square miles make it the shortest state in the United States.
Rhode Island has more than 400 miles of coastline, earning it the moniker “Ocean State.”
The popularity of coffee milk in Rhode Island made it the official state beverage.
The White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island is the oldest establishment still in operation in the United States.
The Rhode Island Red is an American chicken breed and the official national bird of Rhode Island.
US VICTORY DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | August 8 | Monday |
| 2023 | August 14 | Monday |
| 2024 | August 12 | Monday |
| 2025 | August 11 | Monday |
| 2026 | August 10 | Monday |
