V-J Day And The Giant Smooch

Posted on by Valleygrail

War Is Over_WW II News Headlines V-J Day! August 14, 1945, President Harry S Truman announced Japan had surrendered, and the war was over; insurmountable joy bursting forth in that moment, one such expression caught forever in time by photographer, Alfred Eisenstaedt.

photographer-alfred-eisenstaedt

Over the years, several people have claimed to be the kissing couple in Times Square. I rather prefer their anonymity; a sailor and a nurse celebrating the greatest news of their day, unknown to each other and to the rest of the world.

vj-day_kiss

I like imagining the abundance of energy, exhilaration, relief and gratitude that had to be coursing through every fiber of the celebrants in Time Square, and every other corner of our country that day. It was V-J Day, and the war was over! It finally was over; and most definitely worthy of a giant smooch, right on the lips!

 

 

16 thoughts on “V-J Day And The Giant Smooch”

  2. I remember when the war in Viet Nam was going on. I thought it would never end resigned to the weekly death counts and the opening news stories always reporting news from there. Because it went on for so long, my reaction to the news that the VN conflict had ended was more of disbelief at first and a huge relief it was over, really over.
    Because we were fighting WWII on two fronts, I can imagine the exhilaration of crossing off the second. Thank you for reminding of us of VJ-Day in your well written post.

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    1. I wrote a post on 1/28 about the end of the Vietnam War. Those days are so indelibly imprinted on the souls of our generation. Thank you for your comment; we paid so much for our history, it’s important to remember it.

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  3. I prefer the anonymity of the picture as well. It lets us imagine the story. Was it a chance encounter or did they know each other? Was it the beginning of something lasting or a mere dalliance while in New York? Did she slap him for being too fresh? Or, maybe she had a boyfriend and introduced him to her sister or friend. The free spiritedness of the moment is what makes it so memorable.

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Published by Valleygrail

Native Californian by birth, Pacific Northwesterner by choice. Jack of all trades, master of none; always wishing I could stick with just one thing long enough to become expert. But then what about all those things left unattended? See? Not possible. I love life, my family, friends, a good book, Irish music, rain, fog, and a pint of Guinness. It's a good journey, and sharing with companions makes it even better. Thanks for being with me as I embrace it and you!