Bill to Rename Victory Day as “Peace and Remembrance Day” Has Hearing on Wednesday

Bill to Rename Victory Day as “Peace and Remembrance Day” Has Hearing on Wednesday

A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon on legislation before the Rhode Island General Assembly that would rename the state holiday “Victory Day” — to “Peace and Remembrance Day.”

The bill, H 5452, which is sponsored by Representative Jennifer Stewart and has nine cosponsors will be heard at a meeting of the House Committee on Special Legislation at 4 PM. 

According to the bill language: 

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Although officially referred to as "Victory Day" since 1948, this R.I. holiday has often been known popularly as "VJ Day" or "Victory over Japan Day" given the proximity of the holiday's date (the second Monday of August) to the use of the atomic bombs on Japan (August 6 and 9, 1945) and the announcement of Japan's surrender (August 15, 1945). This association with  "Victory over Japan" persists, despite the State's efforts and resistance.

While the holiday highlights military victory, it belies the harsh truth that military victories are often built on civilian injury and death. In every war, civilian suffering and casualties 9 have been a mainstay. By renaming the day, Rhode Island can affirm a commitment to the 1desirability of peace and the continued need to work for it and remember that in every military conflict in which peace is not achieved, civilian populations continue to suffer and die. Civilian suffering includes malnutrition, physical injury, displacement, and sexual violence, including rape.

The bill recognizes Rhode Island’s current position at the only state in the U.S. that celebrates Victory Day. The legislation continues: 

By replacing "Victory Day" with "Peace & Remembrance Day," our state would  recognize that: (i) The United States engaged in racially discriminatory treatment of first and second generation Japanese Americans residing on its mainland through its policy of incarceration during the Second World War;

(ii) Historians have cast doubt on the military necessity of using the atomic bombs on  Japan;  In addition to using the atomic bombs, the aerial bombardments that were used at the conclusion of the war with Japan included firebombing; (iv) These forms of warfare by bombing make "total war" which by definition targets civilians for death and suffering;