Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Denis McDonough, has overturned a departmental memo that sought to prohibit the display of the renowned "V-J Day in Times Square" photograph in VA facilities.
The photograph, which depicts a Navy sailor kissing an unknown woman on the streets of New York at the conclusion of World War II, was targeted for removal due to its portrayal of a "non-consensual act," according to the memo.
The memo, originating from a VA assistant undersecretary, was shared on social media, leading to McDonough's swift response. He tweeted the image, which was featured in Life magazine, stating, "Let me be clear: This image is not banned from VA facilities and we will keep it in VA facilities."
Two anonymous sources, familiar with the memo, confirmed its authenticity and revealed that McDonough had neither approved nor was aware of it until it was circulated. Upon learning of its existence, he immediately rescinded it.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed, "The VA is not going to be banning this photo." She added that the memo was unsanctioned and the White House was previously unaware of it.
The memo quickly gained traction on social media, amassing millions of views and becoming a political flashpoint.
The photograph, taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt on August 14, 1945, captures the spontaneous celebrations that erupted in New York City following Japan's surrender to the United States. The sailor, George Mendonsa, spotted Greta Friedman, spun her around, and kissed her, despite them being strangers.
The image, officially titled "V-J Day in Times Square," is more commonly known as "The Kiss." In a 2005 interview with the Library of Congress, Friedman clarified that the kiss was not romantic, but rather a reaction to the end of the war. She stated, "It wasnt my choice to be kissed. The guy just came over and kissed or grabbed."
Friedman passed away in 2016 at the age of 92, while Mendonsa died in 2019 at the age of 95.
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