![]() Thus, the United States immediately declared war on Japan, officially turning the war in Europe into a war that was being fought over the world. On December 7, 1941, Japan did a surprise aerial attack on Pearl Harbor, an American naval base in Hawaii. The Center of Nonviolence and Peace Studies supports this bill and is hopeful for “Victory Day” to be changed to “Peace and Remembrance Day.VJ Day Celebration in front of the White House Victory Day History That includes relatives and mothers mourning the losses of their husbands and children.įinally, Daly-Labelle confirmed that the House Committee hearing was completed but has to go through the Senate Committee where a hearing will be scheduled. ![]() The way he thought about it was that about 60 million people were killed in the war. Watt also said the veterans were against it because they didn’t want their service in World War II to be dismissed from their moment of glory. Not just veterans but civilian and military lives,” according to Watt. “I’m a veteran myself and I’ve been respectful to lives lost at that time. Watt thinks that this isn’t a necessary argument with veterans. “Now it’s up to the members of the House Committee to decide to move it out of the committee and go to a floor vote,” Stewart said.Ī floor vote means a bill moves to the full House for further debate and a vote.įurthermore, Watt said that at the hearing there were veterans who spoke against it including a representative from Westerly. There were 60 written testimonies total and only a handful were opposed. In addition, others could come to oppose the bill. This means the Committee was able to hold a hearing where Stewart was able to speak on behalf of the bill and people like Daly-LaBelle and Robert Watt, a Quaker and lawyer for 44 years and a member of Veterans for Peace, were able to testify in support of the bill. So far in its legislative process, Stewart said the bill was drafted, formally introduced, and considered by the House Committee on Special Legislation. “I think that law is an effort to encourage people not to talk about Victory Day as “Victory over Japan Day” or “VJ Day,” according to Stewart. ![]() Also, there is a related law in Rhode Island that requires state agencies to only use the name to refer to the second Monday in August. To that extent, it will be observed by using its official name and state law. This holiday is celebrated on the second Monday of August to remember the victory against Japan at Hiroshima.Īdditionally, Stewart said a bill is needed to change the name because “Victory Day” is the official name in state law. ![]() In the list of RI general laws, there is a section that lists all of the holidays recognized. Stewart said “Victory Day,” is one of Rhode Island’s state holidays. She talks about the use of atomic bombs as an example of total war because it creates war on everything and everyone, including civilians. Jonathan Daly-LaBelle, a member and organizer of “Just Peace RI” added that the name change would signal that society is evolving.Īccording to Stewart, as a history teacher, she teaches about World War II in her classes. “It’s stuck in the 1948 way of thinking,” Stewart said. Stewart chose to rename the day because she felt that it doesn’t represent the evolving understanding of the time period. Representative, Jennifer Stewart of District 59 in Pawtucket, filed this bill on February 8 in hopes of changing the name. KINGSTON, R.I – A bill proposing renaming “Victory Day” to “Peace and Remembrance Day was considered in the House Committee on special legislation on April 5. ![]()
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