Rhode Island is the last state in the Union to celebrate Victory Day. The holiday has been a point of contention in the past. The day celebrates the end of WWII, during the same month Japan surrendered. Some feel the holiday reflects an outdated relationship between Japan and the U.S., now important allies.
Over the years, Japanese-American groups and local lawmakers attempted to do away with the holiday or change its name, to no avail. Erik Wallin, head of the local veteran’s group Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, said the holiday holds special importance for the Ocean State.
“Rhode Island had a significant part in WWII, especially with regard to the Pacific effort,” said Wallin. “If you think about the presence the Navy had, and continues to have, here in Rhode Island.”
Wallin said the day offers a moment to reflect on the contributions made by members of the armed services.
“And I believe that it’s at a time when, frankly, many people don’t have any connection to the military service, any holiday that provides an opportunity to remind America as a whole about the sacrifice of our service members is one that we should hold on to,” said Wallin.
There have been no real efforts to abolish, or change the holiday since the late 1990s. Our political commentator Scott MacKay offered some more history on the holiday in a 2010 commentary you can read here.
