Changes the name of the holiday on the second Monday of August from Victory Day to Peace and Remembrance Day.
Summary
This bill renames Rhode Island’s state holiday observed on the second Monday in August from “Victory Day” to “Peace and Remembrance Day.” It also updates the state holidays statute to reflect the new name and repeals the existing law that prohibited state and municipal agencies from referring to the holiday by any other name in paid advertisements. The bill takes effect upon passage.
The stated purpose of the measure is to shift the holiday’s emphasis away from celebrating military victory and toward remembrance of civilian suffering, peace, and the broader consequences of war. The findings section references the atomic bombings of Japan, wartime civilian casualties, Japanese American incarceration, and the opportunity to recognize peace rather than military triumph. The bill does not alter the date of the holiday or create a new holiday; it changes the official designation and related statutory language.
Impact
The bill would amend Rhode Island General Laws § 25-1-1, the state’s general holidays statute, by replacing the parenthetical name “Victory Day” with “Peace and Remembrance Day” for the second Monday in August. It would also repeal § 25-1-1.3, which currently bars state and municipal agencies from using any other name for the holiday in paid advertisements. As a result, state law would formally recognize the holiday under its new name and remove the existing naming restriction.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text, the measure is framed in strongly supportive and reflective terms, emphasizing peace, remembrance, and the human costs of war. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no additional evidence of legislative debate, but the introduction by multiple senators suggests at least some sponsorship support. The overall tone of the bill is reform-oriented and symbolic rather than operational.
Contention
The main point of contention is the holiday’s meaning and whether Rhode Island should continue to commemorate it as “Victory Day” or rename it to avoid celebrating military victory, especially in the context of World War II civilian casualties and the atomic bombings. Supporters of the change appear to be those who favor a peace-focused commemoration and acknowledgment of wartime suffering. Potential opponents would likely be those who view the existing name as an important historical tribute to the end of World War II and to military service, though no formal opposition is documented in the provided materials.