Iconic WW2 kiss photo avoids ban — RT World News
'VJ Day in Times Square' photo seen as depicting 'non-consensual act'
The legendary image of a sailor kissing an unsuspecting nurse in New York City's Times Square during celebrations of Japan's surrender in World War II will continue to decorate U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, agency President Denis McDonough has confirmed.
McDonough made the statement Tuesday shortly after a memo aimed at banning the iconic image began circulating on social media. It was sent to VA regional offices by Acting Assistant Secretary of Health for Operations Rema Ann Nelson in late February and claimed the “VJ Day in Times Square” photo depicted… “Non-consensual action.”
The kind of behavior captured by Life magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstadt in New York City on August 14, 1945 is “It is inconsistent with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment and assault.” Nelson wrote.
The photo, copies of which are displayed in US Department of Veterans Affairs facilities as a symbol of the end of World War II, no longer serves that purpose anymore due to views on historical events. “development” She explained in the community.
“In order to foster a more trauma-informed environment that promotes the psychological well-being of our employees and the Veterans we serve, images depicting ‘VJ Day in Times Square’ must be removed from all Veterans Health Administration facilities.” Nelson instructed in the note.
But the order appears to have been overruled by her boss, McDonough, who wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Let me be clear: This photo is not prohibited in VA facilities – and we will keep it in VA facilities.” His post included a photo of the same historic kiss in Times Square, but taken from a different angle by US Navy photojournalist Victor Jorgensen.
Greta Zimmer Friedman, believed to be the woman in the movie VJ Day in Times Square, said the kiss between the two strangers “It was not a romantic event…it was, ‘Thank God the war is over.’”
“It wasn't a kiss like that.” Friedman recalled in a 2005 interview for the Veterans History Project. The reason is sailor “He caught someone dressed as a nurse and was very grateful to the nurses who took care of the wounded.” She explained.
You can share this story on social media:
Source link
