On the day that Japan surrendered to the United States at the end of World War II, Sailor George Mendonsa was in Times Square. Overcome with emotion at the news that the war had ended, George grabbed a stranger and kissed her square on the lips.
That stranger was Greta Zimmer Friedman. She was wearing a nurse’s uniform, since she was a dental assistant.
As they locked lips, photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt snapped a photo. The photograph, taken on August 14, 1945, became one of the most famous photographs of all time.
It was years before George and Greta were confirmed to be the couple, but they both spoke about the moment in interviews.
George told CBS News about the iconic kiss a few years ago, explaining what was going through his head at the moment he kissed Greta. He said, “The excitement of the war bein’ over, plus I had a few drinks. So when I saw the nurse I grabbed her, and I kissed her.”
According to both George and Greta, the kiss wasn’t particularly romantic. It was just an act of celebration and joy.
Now, George has passed away. The 95-year-old fell and had a seizure at the nursing home he lived at in Rhode Island. Greta passed away in 2016.
George’s daughter, Sharon Molleur, told CNN, “When I look at that photograph, I just think of my dad’s service, and how happy he was that it was all over.”
Although George and Greta may be gone now, their famous Times Square kiss photograph will live on forever.
Source : https://www.littlethings.com/sailor-times-square-kiss-dead/