Victory Day is a state holiday in Rhode Island. It commemorates the victory of Allied forces over Japan during World War II, marking the end of the war in the Pacific and the broader conclusion of World War II.

Table of Contents

1. When is Victory Day?
2. The History of Victory Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima

When is Victory Day?

Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day) marks August 14, 1945, when Japan formally surrendered to the Allied forces, effectively ending World War II. Victory Day is observed annually on the second Monday in August in Rhode Island.

The History of Victory Day?

Victory Day commemorates the announcement of Japan's surrender in August 1945, which brought the global conflict to an end. Originally known as Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day), it marked one of the most significant milestones of the 20th century.

The war in the Pacific began with Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, prompting the United States to enter the war. Over four years, the Allied forces fought a series of intense battles in the Pacific.

On August 6, 1945, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, killing tens of thousands instantly. A second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, causing further devastation. On August 8, 1945, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan, invading Japanese-occupied Manchuria.

Facing overwhelming force, Japan announced its unconditional surrender on August 15, 1945. The formal surrender ceremony occurred on September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, officially ending World War II.

In August 1945, spontaneous celebrations erupted worldwide upon the announcement of Japan's surrender, marking the end of one of history's deadliest conflicts. The United States and other Allied nations declared V-J Day as a day of national celebration and remembrance.

Over time, most U.S. states ceased observing Victory Day as a separate holiday, incorporating it into broader commemorations like Veterans Day or Memorial Day. Rhode Island remains the only U.S. state that officially observes Victory Day as a public holiday, reflecting the state's significant contributions to the war effort.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Victory Day, people participate in a variety of activities to honor the memory of those who served in World War II and to celebrate the end of the conflict.

Wreath-laying ceremonies at memorials honor those who served, particularly in the Pacific theater. Veterans of World War II and other conflicts are recognized for their sacrifices.

Parades in Rhode Island feature marching bands, veterans' groups, and military displays. Floats and participants often highlight World War II themes, including the battles in the Pacific and the Allied victory.

Schools, libraries, and historical societies organize lectures, discussions, and exhibits about the war, focusing on the events leading to Japan's surrender and the significance of the victory.

Victory Day serves as a reminder of the cost of war and the importance of striving for peace. Many people take time to reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians during the war.

Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima

The atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, marked a pivotal moment in world history, as it was the first time a nuclear weapon was used in warfare. The event played a crucial role in ending World War II but came at the cost of immense destruction and loss of life.

The atomic bomb, codenamed "Little Boy", was developed under the Manhattan Project, a top-secret U.S. research initiative. The United States aimed to force Japan's unconditional surrender and avoid a costly invasion. Japan had refused to surrender despite significant losses in the war, including conventional bombings and the loss of key territories.

Hiroshima was chosen due to its military significance, housing army headquarters and important logistical hubs. On August 6, 1945, at 8:15 a.m. local time, the B-29 bomber Enola Gay, piloted by Colonel Paul Tibbets, dropped the "Little Boy" uranium bomb on Hiroshima. The bomb detonated about 2,000 feet above the city, releasing an explosion equivalent to 15 kilotons of TNT.

The blast leveled approximately 5 square miles of the city. An estimated 70,000–80,000 people were killed instantly due to the explosion and heat. Thousands more were severely injured or burned. Many survivors suffered from acute radiation sickness, burns, and long-term health complications, including cancer and genetic damage. By the end of 1945, the death toll had risen to approximately 140,000, as many succumbed to injuries and radiation-related illnesses.

The unprecedented scale of destruction shocked the world and highlighted the devastating potential of nuclear weapons.

Three days later, on August 9, 1945, the U.S. dropped a second bomb on Nagasaki. On August 15, 1945, Japan announced its unconditional surrender, effectively ending World War II.

The use of the atomic bomb remains controversial, with debates about whether it was necessary to end the war or an unjustifiable act of destruction.