RI Veterans Voice: 06.08.26 – RI recognizes VICTORY DAY, Local Events, Resources – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, RINewsToday Veterans writer

Photos are copies of official US photos of the US Navy on display at LZ Bronco Veteran & First Responder Resource Center aboard the USS Missouri:

Japan formally surrendered on September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, marking the end of World War II.

Details of Japan’s Surrender

The surrender process involved several key events and dates.

• Initial Announcement — Japan announced its acceptance of the Allied terms on August 14, 1945, known as V-J Day.
• Formal Signing — The official signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender took place at 09:00 Japan Standard Time on September 2, 1945.
• Significant Location — The surrender occurred in Tokyo Bay, symbolizing Japan’s transition from militarism to peace.
• International Presence — Approximately 250 Allied ships were present during the surrender ceremony, highlighting the global significance of the event.

Honoring Rhode Island’s World War II Generation: A Legacy Remembered on Victory Day

During World War II, approximately 92,000 to 93,000 Rhode Islanders—roughly one out of every ten residents in the state—entered uniform across the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Army Air Forces. Rhode Island made immense sacrifices to secure global freedom: 2,435 service members from the state gave the ultimate sacrifice, and thousands more suffered battle wounds, physical hardship, and enduring trauma across the European and Pacific theaters.

Today, fewer than 300 World War II veterans remain alive in Rhode Island. Nationwide, less than 1% of the 16.4 million Americans who served during WWII are still with us. With the youngest surviving combat veterans now aged 97 to 99, time is rapidly taking this historic generation. Within just a few years, it is expected that no living World War II veterans will remain in the Ocean State, making every opportunity to honor their service uniquely urgent and poignant.

Rhode Island holds a singular place in national remembrance as the only state in the country that continues to observe Victory Day as an official state holiday. Established in March 1948 and observed on the second Monday in August each year, Victory Day honors the formal conclusion of hostilities in World War II and pays tribute to the selfless service of the Greatest Generation.

Efforts to Rename Rhode Island’s Victory Day

Over the years, various lawmakers, activist groups, and individuals have introduced legislation aimed at renaming Rhode Island’s Victory Day—celebrated on the second Monday of August—to “Peace and Remembrance Day.”

Key Arguments by Proponents

• Reframing the Narrative: Sponsors, including State Representative Jennifer Stewart and peace advocacy groups, argued that the title “Victory Day” (often associated with V-J Day) emphasizes wartime triumph rather than the broader human toll of total war and civilian suffering.
• Concerns Over Race and Sensitivity: Activists and sponsors claimed the day carries divisive historic connotations or anti-Asian sentiment tied to the dropping of the atomic bombs in 1945.
• National Uniqueness: Proponents highlighted that Rhode Island is the only U.S. state that still officially observes Victory Day as a state holiday.

Why These Efforts Have Fallen Short

Despite repeated legislative introductions (such as House Bills H 5452 and H 5887, along with Senate proposals), all attempts to alter or repeal Victory Day have failed due to several major factors:

1. Unified Veteran and Community Opposition: Veteran service organizations, veterans, and military families across Rhode Island have stood firmly against renaming the holiday. Veterans testified that altering the name minimizes the service, sacrifices, and triumph of the World War II generation.
2. Recognition of the Homefront: Veterans and historic organizations emphasize that Victory Day does not merely honor those in uniform; it honors the unified effort of Rhode Island citizens on the homefront who worked in factories, produced munitions, supplied shipyards, and made immense personal sacrifices during the war effort.
3. Legislative Stalling: Proposals introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly have consistently failed to gain sufficient political momentum. Committees—such as the House Committee on Special Legislation—routinely vote to hold the bills “for further study,” effectively letting the legislation expire without advancing it to a full floor vote.
4. Protection in General Law: Under Rhode Island General Laws (R.I. Gen. Laws § 25-1-1), the official name is explicitly codified, ensuring state agencies and local governments observe it as Victory Day.

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Honor and Legacy of Rhode island WWII Veterans : The 9 Couture Brothers

The story of nine brothers serving concurrently during World War II represents one of the most remarkable examples of military service and family sacrifice in American history. Families across the nation—including local New England households like the Couture family—sent multiple sons to serve simultaneously across theaters in Europe and the Pacific.

Victory Day stands as a sacred reminder of these extraordinary family sacrifices—honoring both the brothers who went to the front lines and the families on the homefront who endured the anxiety and hardship of waiting for their safe return.

“For the 3^rd year the Italian American War Veterans of the United States celebrates Victory Day to honor and pay tribute to the greatest generation, our WWII veterans,” said John A Cianci, State Commander of the Italian American War Veterans of the US.

According to Cianci, next year’s Victory Day celebration will be one of the largest celebrations.

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Italian American War Veterans Host Multi-Day Victory Day Celebration

To honor these remaining heroes and ensure their stories endure, the Italian American War Veterans of the United States is hosting a special series of Victory Day weekend events centered at the Landing Zone Bronco Veteran & First Responder Resource Center, located at 1950 Bronco Highway in Burrillville, Rhode Island.

The weekend commemoration kicks off on Saturday, August 8, with the 1st Annual “It’s Gravy… Not Sauce” culinary fundraising competition from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, bringing the community together for friendly rivalry, food, and comradeship in support of local veteran resources.

The main celebration continues Sunday, featuring:

• Free Victory Day Picnic (11:30 AM – 3:00 PM): Open to veterans and community members.
• Grand Opening Landing Zone Bronco Veteran & First Responders Resource Center ( 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM): Open to veterans and community members.

Rhode Island native Carly Johnston will perform the Star Spangled Banner and patriotic anthem USA during the grand opening ceremony.

 She is professionally known as JonStoneand is a rising country-pop artist known for her powerful, soulful vocals and heartfelt storytelling. A familiar face in the local veteran community through her work with the VFW, JonStone draws inspiration from her deep New England roots and years spent behind the bar, turning real-life stories into songs that celebrate resilience, community, and the people who serve others.

With an upcoming move to Nashville marking the next chapter of her career, JonStone is continuing to grow her audience while proudly carrying her Rhode Island roots onto the national stage. Her music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms. Shes is proud to call Rhode Island home and honored to be part of this special celebration.

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After the official grand opening the resource center will be opened for attendees to view historic World War II Artifact Exhibit: A curated display of WWII military artifacts, highlighted by the original flag from the USS Card (CVE-11), the historic escort carrier that led a famed hunter-killer task group and became the first U.S. vessel credited with sinking a German submarine during the war.

A complimentary Victory Day Dinner for WWII Families (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM): featuring living World War II veterans in attendance—including 104-year-old World War II veteran Caster Salemi. The  free dinner dedicated exclusively to all living World War II veterans and their families as well as the families of deceased World War II veterans.

Attendees and family members: warmly encouraged to bring historical photos of their loved ones in uniform, letters, medals, and other World War II artifacts to share, document, and preserve the living history of Rhode Island’s wartime generation before its direct voices are quieted forever.

WWII veterans needing transportation can contact LZ Bronco Veteran & First Responder Resource Center, (401) 677-9838. WWII veterans and families are encouraged to RSVP, (401) 677-9838 or email, [email protected] by Saturday for the free Victory Day Celebration dinner being offered to all WWII veterans and their families from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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Rhode Island Veterans Alert: Did Trajector Charge You to File A VA Claim – Federal lawsuit could entitle you to reimbursement

Federal Class -Action Lawsuit Halted by Trajector Bankruptcy Filing

On July 23, 2026, Trajector Holdings, LLC (along with 21 affiliated entities, including Trajector Medical and Trajector Disability) filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida (Case No. 3:26-bk-03286).

This filing automatically imposed a federal bankruptcy stay, pausing the pending nationwide federal class-action lawsuit against Trajector. The lawsuit, spearheaded by the law firm Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz (AWKO), accuses Trajector of operating without VA accreditation and charging disabled veterans fees between $4,500 and $20,000  to prepare VA disability compensation claims—a violation of federal laws governing accredited claims representation.

What the Automatic Stay Means for Veterans

• Civil Trial Paused: The automatic stay halts all active civil litigation against Trajector, pulling the dispute out of the federal jury trial track and into bankruptcy proceedings.
• Shift to Unsecured Creditor Status: Veterans who paid fees to Trajector are now categorized as general unsecured creditors in the Chapter 11 restructuring.
• Asset Claims: If the bankruptcy proceeds, any financial recovery or refund for overcharged fees will be adjudicated through the bankruptcy court and distributed from the company’s remaining estate.

How Veterans Can File as a Creditor in the Bankruptcy

To seek recovery of fees paid to Trajector, affected veterans must formally register their claim with the bankruptcy court.

1. Obtain Official Form 410 (Proof of Claim):

o    Download Official Form 410 (Proof of Claim) from the U.S. Courts Bankruptcy Forms Portal or the court-appointed claims administrator’s site.

2. Calculate Your Claim Amount:

o    Detail the total dollar amount paid to Trajector for unaccredited claims assistance/medical evidence services.

3. Attach Supporting Documentation:

o    Include copies of contracts, billing statements, invoice summaries, or bank/credit card receipts demonstrating payments made to Trajector.

4. Adhere to Privacy & Redaction Rules:

o    Do NOT attach unredacted medical records or sensitive personal information. Under Federal Bankruptcy Rule 9037, redact all Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth (showing only the last 4 digits).

5. Observe the Filing Deadline (“Bar Date”):

o    Claims must be submitted to the clerk or claims agent prior to the court’s established claims bar date.

Points of Contact for Assistance

Veterans seeking guidance on filing a proof of claim or understanding their rights as bankruptcy creditors can reach out to the following resources:

• Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz (AWKO Law Firm)

(Lead Class Action Counsel – VA Disability Practice Group)

• • Phone: (850) 435-7000 or Toll-Free (800) 425-8373
  • Website: AWKO Law Firm
  • Contact Lead: Jennifer Byrd (Head of AWKO VA Disability Practice)
• VA Office of General Counsel (OGC)

(For reporting unaccredited claims activity or verifying accredited representatives)

• • Accreditation Search Portal: VA OGC Accreditation Search
• Local Veteran Service Officers (VSO):
  • Veterans requiring assistance with active VA claims should work through free, accredited Veteran Service Officers (such as local VSOs, the VFW, DAV, or American Legion)

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LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center

July, 2026, 250^th Celebration Schedule

LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center- July 2026,  250^th Celebration Schedule

Throughout the month of July and August  LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center, 1950 Bronco Highway, Harrisville RI will be offering veterans FREE apple pie, ice cream, and hotdogs on select Sundays.

The location offers plenty of outdoor and indoor sitting. Although the facility currently is not open to the public on a daily basis, however, the resource center will be opened every Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m throughout the month of July and August for veterans and first responders who would like to stop by and learn more information on their benefits, or need assistance with VA, federal, state and or local benefits.

The veteran organization is seeking sponsors for remaining Sundays in the months of July and August. Sponsors are also encouraged to be “ice cream scoopers” and “dessert servers” during the Sunday their organization or family sponsored.

Gold sponsorship . Suggested is $250 for a Sunday. If interested in doing a sponsorship or donation to support the Sunday’s event at LZ Bronco Veteran and First Responder Resource Center 250th Celebration thanking our veterans and first responders, go to the website, https://italianamericanwarveteran.org/

In the remarks note the Sunday event date you would like to sponsor.

Sponsors are encouraged to volunteer during the Sunday their organization or family is sponsoring. Enjoy serving a hot dog, or doughboy, or ice cream to a veteran THANKING HIM OR HER FOR THEIR SERVICE.

If sponsor can put together a team of volunteers, contact ITAM volunteer coordinator, (401) 677-9838 or via email, [email protected]. Additionally, checks can be made out to ITAM, 18 Winchester Ave , North Smithfield RI.

All donations of any amount are welcomed, please note in the remarks section on website or check, SUNDAY THANKING OUR VETERANS. Donations are tax deductible.

Sunday Schedule for August 2026

August 8, 2026, Saturday, 1:00- 5:00 p.m. 1^st gravy competition at LZ Bronco, 1950 Bronco Highway, Burrillville, RI. Admission is a suggested donation of $10 for adults.

Think you make the best gravy? Enter the competition. Commercial kitchen and walk-in cooler available for all entries. You make the gravy, and pasta and Italian bread for DUNKING will be provided by the sponsor of the event, Italian American War Veteran of the US.

Interested in entering? Contact John (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected].

August 9, 2026 Sunday , Victory Day Family Picnic Celebration. 12:00- 3:00 p.m.  All Rhode islanders are encouraged to come out to meet a living WWII veteran and families of deceased WWII veterans to hear their stories of the heroes who served in WWII.  The Italian American War Veterans of US, sponsor of event, will have a bouncy house for children and other activities. FREE Italian luncheon, pasta, salad, bread, and dessert for ALL attending.

Tables can be reserved for WWII veterans and their families, AND the families of deceased WWII veterans. WWII veterans and their families are encouraged to bring your WWII legacy; pictures, storytelling of your WWII veteran, etc… Reservations can be made by calling John (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

The Italian American War Veterans of US are hosting the event celebrating FREE 11:30 to 3:00 Bronco Veteran & First Responder Resource Center, 1950 Bronco Highway, Burrillville RI

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August 10, 2026 Sunday , Victory Day Family Picnic Celebration. On August 15, 1945 ( V-J Day) , in the Pacific: Hostilities ceased on August 15, 1945 (V-J Day) when Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration.

An estimated 92,000 to 93,104 Rhode Islanders served in World War II. This mobilization meant that more than one out of every ten residents of the state went to war, with over 1,600 making the ultimate sacrifice.

This profound impact on the state is why Rhode Island remains the only state in the U.S. that continues to observe Victory Day as a formal state holiday.

12:00- 3:00 p.m.  All Rhode islanders are encouraged to come out to meet a living WWII veteran and familes of deceased WWII families to hear their stories of the heroes who served in WWII.

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August 11, 2026, 8:30 – 10: 00 a. m. FREE Breakfast for Veterans and Guest. FREE Breakfast for veterans and 1 guest, LZ Bronco Veteran & First Responder Resource Center, 1950 Bronco Highway, Burrillville RI.

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Can you help Operation Stand Down?

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VETERAN EVENTS

August 7, 2026,Friday 11:00- 1:00 p.m. Veteran Outreach John Loughlin Headquarters, Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI

The Landing Zone Bronco Veteran & First Responder Resource Center has officially landed at Loughlin’s headquarters, opening its doors to all local veterans, first responders, and their families. Hosted as a dedicated outreach event, this gathering provides a welcoming space for the community to connect, access support, and learn more about the vital resources available to those who have served.

Veteran Service Officer and Advocate John Cianci will be on-site to assist veterans in navigating and accessing their earned benefits through the Providence VA Medical Center. Key discussion topics will include eligibility criteria for 100% VA-funded long-term care and specialized programs designed to help veterans remain living comfortably at home. To complement the informational sessions, attendees can enjoy complimentary refreshments, featuring New York-style hot wieners, hot dogs, and more

August 8, 2026, Saturday, 1:00- 5:00 p.m. 1^st gravy competition at LZ Bronco, 1950 Bronco Highway, Burrillville, RI. Admission is a suggested donation of $10 for adults.

Think you make the best gravy? Enter the competition. Commercial kitchen and walk-in cooler available for all entries. You make the gravy, and pasta and Italian bread for DUNKING will be provided by the sponsor of the event, Italian American War Veteran of the US.

Interested in entering? Contact John (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected].

 August 11, 2026 Tuesday July 14, 2026, 8:30 – 10:00 a. m. FREE Breakfast for Veterans and Guest. FREE Breakfast for veterans and 1 guest, LZ Bronco Veteran & First Responder Resource Center, 1950 Bronco Highway, Burrillville RI.