Greta Zimmer Friedman being kissed by a sailor named George in Times Square

Greta, who achieved unlikely fame as half of a couple caught dramatically kissing in Times Square at the end of WWII by photographer, Alfred Eisenstaedt died on September 8, 2016 at the age of 92.  The iconic photo, shot on August 14, 1945 on what became known as Victory Over Japan Day, shows a sailor grabbing and kissing a woman in a white uniform in celebration of the global conflict's end.  Published as a full page in Life Magazine a week later, the photo, featured 21 year-old Friedman wearing her dental hygienist's uniform, was seen around the world and even inspired a larger-than-life statue by Seward Johnson.

"It wasn't a romantic event.  It was just an event of 'thank God the war is over'."

Hundreds gather in Times Square to view the 26-foot-tall sculpture at the historic site in Times Square

In recent years, the photo has been reevaluated by publications arguing the kiss wasn't consensual, based on Friedman's own account of their encounter.  "It wasn't my choice to be kissed.  The guy just came over and grabbed me!"

Greta Friedman and George Mendonsa

Claims have been made that forensic analysis was used to identify Friedman and Mendonsa, one of numerous men who came forward to say they are the pictured sailor.

Friedman was born to Jewish parents in Austria in 1924 and fled to the United States with her sisters in 1938.  Her parents, who stayed behind, died in the Holocaust.  Mischa Friedman, who Friedman married in 1956, died in 1998.  Greta was survived by her two children, Joshua and Mara.

A poster commemorating Alfred Eisenstaedt’s photograph hung in Times Square on August 14, 2015, taken 70 years ago to the date, on 

Victory Over Japan Day.

This post on Off Shore Muse is being shared with my readership due to the fact that I have been researching the topic of WWII for an exhibit that is on display in the Octagon Gallery at the Patterson Library in Westfield NY (40 S. Portage).  The exhibit began on August 10 and will be on display through September 8.  If you have interest in learning about the men and women from Westfield NY who fought in the Pacific Theatre, please come by during library hours.  A well-attended reception was held on August 10 with over 70 in attendance which included an honor group consisting of Jeff Levandoski, County Vice Commander; Kirk Miller, County Commander; Joseph Seminatore, Westfield American Legion Post 327 Commander and Stanley Kawski, County Chaplain.  

Library hours are as follows: 

Monday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday: Closed 

The gentleman on the far left is exhibit lead volunteer, Charles Ferraro. Charles is responsible for bringing to the exhibit his extensive collection of dioramas and warships seen around the entire Octagon Gallery.

Pat Locke, WWII Exhibit Volunteer

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