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Victory Day in Rhode Island recognizes state’s outsized contribution in WWII. Events set:
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans
The State of Rhode Island celebrates Victory Day on 2nd Monday in August 2024.
Why as the only state to have a state holiday for Victory over Japan? First, and most important to honor those 96,000 brave Rhode islanders who served in World War II. And, to never forget the sacrifices of the 2,560 Rhode Islanders who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
In 2023, it was estimated Rhode Island had an estimated 1,000 World War II veterans still living.
On this special day, we honor the World War II veterans, AKA The Greatest Generation.
HISTORY OF RI VICTORY DAY
Rhode Island established Victory Day as a state holiday back in 1948, three years after World War II ended. The day commemorates the end of the conflict.
On August 14, 1945 the world learned that Japan had surrendered, effectively ending World War II. Newsflasher around the world was “Japan Surrenders”.
On September 2, 1946, Japanese representatives signed the official Instrument of Surrender, prepared by the War Department and approved by President Harry S. Truman.
Rhode Island Connections With WWII:
Located in Providence, a World War II memorial is located in Memorial Park on South Main Street. Among various other memorials, this was another large sculpture built to commemorate the 96,000 Rhode Islanders who served. This World War II memorial is located in Memorial Park on South Main Street. Among various other memorials, this was another large sculpture built to commemorate the 96,000 Rhode Islanders who served.
On the World War II monument in Providence there are 2,560 names on inscribed of Rhode Islanders who were killed in the war. According to conversations had with World War II veterans, almost every single family had a relative who served in World War II. All 39 municipalities throughout Rhode Island had participants – with the City of Providence had the highest service members, with 34,115.
According to the book, World War II Rhode Island, by Christian McBurney, Rhode Island’s contribution to World War II vastly exceeded its small size. In Narragansett Bay at Quonset Point, they included the Northeast’s largest naval air station and the main training center for the Seabees. In Newport and Aquidneck Island, they included the nation’s most important torpedo production facilities, a naval training station for some 500,000 sailors, and the nation’s main PT boat training center. Three special, top-secret German POW camps were based in Narragansett and Jamestown. Meanwhile, Rhode Island workers from all over the state—including for the first time many women—made their contributions by manufacturing military equipment and building warships, most notably the Liberty ships at Providence Shipyard. Authors from the Rhode Island history blog smallstatebighistory.com trace Rhode Island’s outsized wartime role, from the scare of an enemy raid after Pearl Harbor to the war’s final German U-boat sunk off Point Judith.
A few weeks ago, I traveled to Prudence Island to visit and see first-hand the remains of the US military Army camp built during WWII. Abandoned in 1947, the camp provided a base for searchlights and light artillery. A Naval Magazine was constructed on Prudence Island in April of 1942 and remained until 1972.
During WWII the Navy ships would off load the ammunition before docking in Newport RI. Visiting the island, I was able to see the remains of the massive cement storage units; overgrown and mostly just 2-3 walls remaining. The land was subsequently turned over to the State of Rhode Island and was designated a National Estuarine Research Reserve in 1980.
In closing, if you know or see a World War II veteran (few are younger than 90), thank him for his service. Moreover, recognize him or her, as a living hero.
Victory Day was originally celebrated all across the United States until 1975 when all states but Rhode Island eventually dropped the holiday. It remains a state holiday in Rhode Island, so some businesses and all schools as well as government buildings are closed, many people have the day off to participate in local events and the day is an official state employee holiday.
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Pawtucket Veteran’s Council Hosts Annual Victory Day Ceremony
Join the Pawtucket Veterans Council and the City of Pawtucket for a ceremony honoring Victory Day 2024 – TODAY – August 12th at 11am. The event will be held at the Pawtucket City Council Chambers, City Hall, 137 Roosevelt Avenue in Pawtucket. Parking across the street.
Participating will be: Mayor Donald R. Grebien, Members of the Pawtucket City Council, Members of the Pawtucket Delegation, Members of the Pawtucket Veterans Council
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Rhode Island Victory Day Dinners – 2 locations, Warren & West Greenwich
Rhode Island Victory Day Celebrations – WANTED: LIVING WORLD WAR II VETERANS – The Italian American War Veterans of the US, (ITAM) will be celebrating Victory Day on Monday August 12, 2024, official Rhode Island State holiday. The event will be held at 2 locations, Dan’s Place, Victory Highway West Greenwich and Perella’s Ristorante, Metacom Ave, Warren Rhode Island.
Celebrity hosts include Arlene Violet and Tara Granahan.
Violet will be at Perella’s and Granahan will be at Dan’s Place. Both locations will have members of the Greatest Generation, World War II Veterans. Attendees will have the opportunity to socialize with the WWII veterans and hear their stories. “Arlene and Tara are two of the biggest supporters of veterans and their families,” said the Department Commander, Italian American War Veterans of US.
Another special guest will be 12 year old Lilliana, granddaughter of one of ITAM members. “Lilliana is a star herself and at an early age,” said Wendy Cianci, member of auxiliary. “She connects with veterans with her kindness and respect she shows the veterans when she meets tham and or volunteering at veteran events the future of America.” Many recall Lilliana collected over 500 gifts for the veterans living at the Rhode Island Veterans Home. Her efforts drew national attention, to include a White House visit to meet President Trump. Lillian Story of Gifts for veterans:
Lillian has also set up an account on Amazon to help fulfill the wish list of veterans living at nursing homes. Link to Amazon:
“This year, we are trying to improve the quality of lives of our veterans living at these facilities. For example, we are going to purchase firesticks, Alexa, WIFI Digital Picture Frames, Prepaid TRac Phones, etc…, items many of the veterans would like, but can’t afford with only $75 a month left, which most use to purchase personal hygiene items, ” said Cianci. “First hand, we see their needs that many of the veterans will not ask for.” Ta The entire proceeds from the event will benefit veterans and spouses of deceased veteran living in long-term care facilities.
“ITAM third annual Veteran Santa program fulfills wish list items by veterans living at these long term facilities. Many of these veterans are left with $75 after paying for his or her care at the facility.
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In 1945, a Seven Star Family
Few Rhode Island families have as many stars on their service flag as Mrs. Fannie Greco of
Potters Ave, in Providence. She had seven sons in the service. Here is an article done by the Providence Sunday Journal on January 7th, 1945, with info provided at the time of publication. Thank you to Ben Greco for providing this to RINewsToday:
Benjamin, the oldest, is an infantryman in Italy. He was inducted last May and trained at Camp Croft, S.C.. His wife, Louise Greco, and their two children lived on Balboa Ave.
Henry, 27, a carpenter’s mate 2c, is a diving instructor in New York City. He enlisted in November
1942.
Ralph, 23, a technical sergeant with the Air Force in Italy, has a presidential unit citation and the
Croix de Guerre and palm from the French government. He enlisted in December 1941, and left for
North Africa in November 1942.
Joseph, 22, a private first class with a military police outfit in Italy, has been overseas since January, 1943. He was inducted in October, 1942.
Harold, 21, is a coxswain in the navy. A veteran of the original landing at Guadalcanal on August
2, 1942, and of several major engagements in the South Pacific, he came home on furlough and spent
several months in this country before returning to the Pacific area in June. He enlisted in February,
1942.
William, 18, is a seaman 1c now on minesweeper duty. He enlisted in March, 1943 and has taken
part in four major engagements, including the invasion of Sicily and Normandy.
The youngest son, Earl, 17, enlisted last August. Now a seaman 2c he recently completed his boot training at Sampson, NY, and was transferred to Newport for assignment to a newly commissioned ship.
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Flags on display in North Kingstown/Wickford
Flags were installed along the Main Street in Wickford/North Kingstown commemorating this day.
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MORE EVENTS later in the month for RI Veterans:
Thursday, August 15, 2024 Military Appreciation Day, Washington County Fair Military Appreciation Day will be Thursday August 15th at the Washington County Fair! FREE ADMISSION for Active Military and Veterans thanks to their sponsor Dan’s Place! For a full list of activities, locations, vendors, and details including the Patriotic Art Contest:
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August 17, 2024 Calling All Veterans Day 2024, 10-2pm, Seabee Museum Memorial Park, 21 Iafrate Way, North Kingstown, RI 02852 – This year we are holding the event in-person AND harnessing our success in the virtual world to combine our reach to more of the 60,000+ Veterans in Rhode Island. Calling All Veterans Day is also an opportunity for community members to show their support for our Veterans and explore opportunities to give back to those who served and their families. The event is free and open to Veterans of all eras, their family and the community!
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August 21, 2024, 11am- 1 pm American Legion ( William Shield Jr. Post 42, 666 West Shore Road, Warwick RI. Veterans Café Meals on Wheels For Veterans
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To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/ – John’s column runs each Thursday in RINewsToday.
John A. Cianci is a Veteran Service Officer. Retired, U.S. Army MSgt., Persian Gulf War and Iraq War combat theater.
Cianci, a combat disabled Veteran, served in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct, and others.
Cianci belongs to numerous veterans organizations – Italian American War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, and many more organizations. He is an active volunteer assisting veterans to navigate federal and state benefits they have earned. He is Department of Rhode Island Department Commander Italian American War Veterans and Veteran Service Officer.
He is a graduate of Roger Williams University (BS Finance), UCONN business school* (Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans), Solar Energy International Residential, Commercial and Battery Based Photovoltaic Systems certificate programs, numerous certificates from the Department of Defense renewable energy programs, including graduate of the Solar Ready Vets Program.
Let’s not forget those who served in the European Theatre. Many of those countries still recognize
May 8th or 9th as V-E Day (Victory in Europe).
For different reasons, two wars occurring at the same time led to WW II.
We need to remember these wars, the reasons for them, and keep them in our history books.
To ignore or forget leaves an open door to history, which has always repeated itself.
We can never let this happen again.