On August 14, 1945, a photograph was taken that would become one of the most iconic images of the 20th century. The photograph, known as "The Kiss," depicts a sailor in his uniform kissing a nurse in Times Square on V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day), signaling the end of World War II.
The identity of the sailor and nurse in the photograph remained a mystery for many years. However, in the 1980s, the photographer, Alfred Eisenstaedt, was able to track down the sailor, who was identified as George Mendonsa. Mendonsa, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 95, had been on a date with his future wife when he heard the news of the end of the war and kissed a passing nurse in celebration.
The nurse in the photograph was identified as Greta Zimmer Friedman, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 92. Friedman was a dental assistant at the time and had been on her lunch break when the news of the end of the war broke out. She found herself in the middle of the celebratory crowds in Times Square when a sailor grabbed her and kissed her, as Eisenstaedt captured the moment on film.
The photograph was published in Life magazine, and it quickly became an iconic symbol of the end of World War II and the triumph of love over war. It has been reproduced countless times over the years, and the image has been used in advertising, films, and other forms of media.
However, the photograph has also been the subject of controversy. Some have argued that it perpetuates a culture of sexual harassment and assault, as the sailor in the photograph kissed Friedman without her consent. Others have pointed out that the photograph is a product of its time and should be viewed in the context of the cultural norms of the era.
Regardless of the controversy surrounding the photograph, "The Kiss" remains an enduring symbol of the end of World War II and the hope for peace and love in a world torn apart by war. The photograph serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by millions of men and women during the war and the importance of celebrating moments of joy and love in the midst of hardship and struggle.
In 2022, the photograph celebrated its 77th anniversary, and it continues to inspire and captivate people around the world. "The Kiss" has become a part of the cultural fabric of our society, and it will likely remain a symbol of hope and love for generations to come.