Veterans Affairs Secretary Lifts Ban on Iconic V-J Day Photo
In a reversal of a controversial decision, Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough has overturned a memo that sought to ban the display of the iconic “V-J Day in Times Square” photograph at all VA health facilities. The photo, taken at the end of World War II, shows a Navy sailor kissing a woman on the streets of New York in celebration of Japan’s surrender.
The memo, which was circulated by a VA assistant undersecretary, claimed that the photo depicted a non-consensual act and was inconsistent with the department’s sexual harassment policy. However, McDonough swiftly responded to the public backlash, stating that the image will not be banned from VA facilities and even shared a copy of the photo on social media to enforce his decision.
The photograph, known as “The Kiss,” captures the spontaneous moment between sailor George Mendonsa and Greta Friedman, who had never met before. Friedman later clarified that the kiss was not romantic but rather a celebration of the war’s end. Both Mendonsa and Friedman have since passed away, but their iconic kiss continues to symbolize the jubilation felt across the nation on V-J Day.
The decision to lift the ban on the photo comes after it sparked widespread controversy on social media, with many arguing that it is a historic symbol of joy and victory rather than an act of harassment. The White House press secretary confirmed that the memo was not sanctioned and expressed relief that the image will continue to be displayed in VA facilities.
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Photo credit apnews.com