Please join us for the first “Victory Over Statism” Day on Saturday, August 15th, 2009!
The RHODE ISLAND REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY PAC will be hosting a “Victory Over Statism” Day barbecue event outdoors at the Buttonwoods — Masonic Shriners’ Family Center, located at 116 Long Street in Warwick, on Saturday, August 15th, 2009, from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
As you know, Rhode Island is the only state left in the Union which still celebrates Victory Day — commonly known here as “VJ-Day” — as an official state holiday. Although the holiday is officially observed on the second Monday of August, the actual date of “Victory Day” was August 15, 1945 — when the Empire of Japan surrendered to the United States in World War II. Since this is a uniquely Rhode Island holiday, we thought it appropriate to celebrate it in a unique way. More importantly, we want to recognize the enemy we fought against — which in many respects, we are still fighting against to this very day — both at home and abroad. The “real” enemy wasn’t simply Japan or Germany, but rather, was an ideology: Statism*.
Like many of you, we are deeply concerned with the direction that our nation, and especially our struggling state is heading in. We’ve had enough of one-party rule in Rhode Island and all the ills that go with it. We want to do something about it, but to do that, we need the support of good people like you. Through this and other outreach efforts going forward, we will be working to support the growth of a robust “conservative coalition” in Rhode Island. We welcome the participation of all pro-freedom and pro-Constitution individuals, as well as other conservative groups. We want to emphasize that this is not a “Republican only” event.
VS-DAY: There will be plenty of barbecued chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, kosher hot dogs, various side dishes, desserts, and all the fixings for you and your family to enjoy. In addition to plenty of food, we will have a speaking program of conservative leaders who will share their thoughts about what we can do as concerned Rhode Island citizens to become more engaged in the political process.
Confirmed speakers currently include:
Helen Glover, Local Radio Personality
Rep. John Loughlin, Candidate for United State Congress
Mark Zaccaria, Candidate for United State Congress
Erik Wallin, Candidate for Rhode Island Attorney General
Colleen Conley, President of the Rhode Island Tea Party
Terry Gorman, Founder of Rhode Islanders for Immigration Law Enforcement
Barth Bracy, Executive Director of Rhode Island Right to Life
John Robitaille, Communications Director for Governor Carcieri
Bill Felkner, Director of the Ocean State Policy Research Institute
Travis Rowley, Chairman of the Rhode Island Young Republicans
Additional speakers are forthcoming, and will be updated on this site.
Besides acres of well-kept park land and walking paths, the Buttonwoods — Masonic Shriners’ Family Center has volleyball courts, horseshoes, a pool, a wading pool for children, swing sets, and other amenities for you and your whole family to enjoy for the day. Of course, we are anticipating brilliant sunshine and blue skies! However, in case of rain, we will have use of a nearby pavilion, so this is a “rain or shine” event.
COST: We have made every effort to make this event affordable.
Tickets for this “VS-DAY” event are only $25.00 per person
Children 12 and Under are only $10.00 each
Children 5 and Under get in for FREE!
For event planning purposes, we would greatly appreciate that your RSVP be received as soon as possible. Registering online is the quickest and easiest way to RSVP. Please see the “checkout” option below.
Any funds raised in excess of our costs will go towards helping the Rhode Island Republican Assembly Political Action Committee (RIRA-PAC) support conservative state and local candidates in 2010. Of course, even if you cannot attend this particular event, we still welcome your generous financial support!
MEDIA CONTACT: All inquiries regarding this event should be directed to RIRA-PAC Chair Raymond McKay at chair@rirapac.org or by calling (401) 487-2514.
PAY BY MAIL: If you would like one or more tickets, please send your request and personal check or money order payable to “RIRA-PAC” to:
RIRA-PAC
Attn: Raymond McKay
19 Bakers Creek Road
Warwick, RI 02886
PAY ONLINE: Please use the drop-down checkout below to securely and easily pay for your BBQ tickets by credit card or e-check online:
Please note: Rhode Island State Campaign Finance Law limits contributions to a maximum of $1000.00 per calendar year. We are required by law to record the name, address, employer and occupation of all contributors. We can only accept contributions from individuals, as well as from other state political action committees. Business and corporate contributions are prohibited.
* Statism is a term that may refer to either one or both of the following:
A major government role in the direction of the economy, both directly through state-owned enterprises and indirectly through the central planning of the overall economy.
A political viewpoint “that sovereignty is vested not in the people but in the national state, and that all individuals and associations exist only to enhance the power, the prestige, and the well-being of the state. The fascist concept of Statism repudiates individualism and exalts the nation as an organic body headed by the Supreme Leader and nurtured by unity, force, and discipline.”
