Daily Briefing: Understanding why Victory Day is a state holiday

It’s Victory Day, which means many of you may have the day off. But how much do you really know about this holiday? Advertisement [eNewspaper]( | [Crosswords]( | [Horoscopes]( [Read in browser]( [Read in browser]( The Daily Briefing YOUR MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP Mon Aug 14 2023 Lynne Sullivan | Regional Executive Editor [@LSullivan73]( Good morning, I'm Lynne Sullivan at The Providence Journal and this is the Daily Briefing. It’s [Victory Day]( which means many of you may have the day off. But how much do you really know about this holiday? Victory Day commemorates the end of World War II, and it’s an official state holiday in Rhode Island. Rhode Island is the only state that observes Victory Day, and it's a sore spot for those who feel it singles out the Japanese people and also celebrates the use of atomic bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which led to Japan's surrender. [In recent years]( some have suggested changing it to something like Rhode Day, to encourage Rhode Islanders to explore beaches and state parks or visit historic sites; Mayor’s Bay Day; Lobster Roll Day; or Surf and Sand Day. What do you think? Send me your thoughts at [lynne.sullivan@gannett.com](. Heading on vacation? A digital subscription will keep you informed on everything happening in Rhode Island no matter where you are. [Find our latest offer here.]( WORTH A READ 🗳️ How old is too old to serve as a politician? [Not everyone agrees.]( 🚒 The [images of the wildfires]( in Maui are devastating. [This article]( explains how they happened. 🎤 [Hip-hop is turning 50]( marking half a century of musical hits from greats like Lauryn Hill, Kendrick Lamar, Run-DMC, Missy Elliott[,]( as well as iconic dances, fashions, movies and so much more. 🍸 Dig out your boy band T-shirt, throw on a flannel shirt and lace up your combat boots: Worcester is going to be home to a [‘90s-themed bar](. Sounds fun, right? [Today's Weather]( 🌞 Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. West wind 7 to 13 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. TOP STORIES [Journal to co-host forums for RI's special election primary]( [June 1, 2020 -- The winning design for the “I Voted” sticker contest, held by the R.I. Board of Elections, was drawn by Wheeler School student Isaiah Suchman. It features the State House dome in shades of blue with a gold Independent Man on top and will be given to voters at polling places beginning with the Sept. 8 Statewide Primary.]( With RI's primary right around the corner, we wanted to help you learn more about the candidates. Here's a chance to hear from them yourself. [READ MORE]( Advertisement [Published Caption: A view of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. [MCT / Aurora Samperio / NurPhoto] Original Caption: A view of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.]( [Too many candidates: Why didn't Democratic Committee do its job? | Opinion Column]( Submitted opinion column: Annette Bourbonniere, of Newport, is the principal of Accessibility & Inclusion Consulting LLC. [READ MORE]( [Cars crawl their way through the pooled water as they approach the Providence end of the Henderson Bridge during heavy rain on Sunday afternoon. ]( [Communities trying to brace for climate impact can get help here]( Cities and towns will be able to pool their knowledge through the 3CRS center and hopefully work faster and more strategically on solutions. [READ MORE]( [Little League World Series Cranston Western's Bret Bell, left, congratulated after a two run homer 1996]( [Can Smithfield join the best RI Little League teams of all-time?]( They range in time from the Westerly team in 1950 to the Cumberland American team that won the state title in 2014 [READ MORE]( [This photo provides a good look at the unusual weapon each Swift Boat had mounted in its stern. The gunner has the option of two weapons. On top is a standard .50-caliber machine gun, but below is a 81 mm mortar. The muzzle-loaded mortar could be trigger-fired if needed.]( [Veterans Voice: 'Swifties' finally lauded as unsung heroes in Vietnam]( Years after their service, these Navy crewmen are getting recognized for the dangerous yet key role they played. [READ MORE]( Advertisement Sign up for the news you want Exclusive newsletters are part of your subscription, don’t miss out! We’re always working to add benefits for subscribers like you. [SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔]( [SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔]( SUBSCRIBE TODAY Our Reporting. Your Stories. Full access to subscriber-only content on all devices. Share bonus subscription with a family member or friend. The universal eNewspaper, the digital version of our print paper, plus bonus monthly magazines and hundreds of local papers. Original reporting of our hometown teams, from high school sports to the pros. [Unlock news for $1]( [SUBSCRIBE TODAY]( Follow Us Problem viewing email? [View in browser]( [Unsubscribe]( • [Manage Newsletters]( • [Terms of Service]( • [Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights]( • [Privacy Notice]( • [Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy]( • [Feedback](