Two weeks ago, on a Sunday, George Mendonsa died. He was 95.
This may not mean much to you, it certainly didn’t to me. I had no idea who the guy was, but…
I’d seen his picture. We’ve all seen his picture. This picture…
1945, Times Square, New York.
People poured into the streets to celebrate the end of WWII and a kiss was caught on camera. That image has become a romantic icon.
The moment captured though, according to the two people involved, wasn’t romantic at all.
George Mendonsa and Greta Zimmer Friedman weren’t a couple, they didn’t even know each other.
George, who’d served on a destroyer during the war, saw a woman in a nurse’s uniform and wanted to say thank you to all the nurses who’d cared for the wounded sailors on the hospital ship.
Greta, who passed away in 2016 at 92, remembered not having much choice in the matter. A stranger grabbed her, kissed her in celebration. In her own words, “It wasn’t a romantic event.”
But, the camera didn’t know that.
Here’s the thing about cameras, they see everything, and interpret nothing.
That’s our job.
What a wonderful backstory, Aimer! Thanks so much for sharing this. Made my day…and made me think!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks 🙂
LikeLike
The photo proves that people will look and want to believe in love whenever possible. George was right to be thankful for nurses, but I suspect if this happened today Greta would leave knuckle marks on George’s face.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right. Times have changed 🙂
LikeLike
Didn’t this same thing just happen with the footage of Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga at the Oscars? People wanted to see steamy romance where there was performance and entertainment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL! I watched the Oscars, but I missed that bit 🙂
LikeLike
He made his mark.
JP
LikeLiked by 1 person
His 15 minutes of fame turned into a lifetime 🙂
LikeLike
Man! Can’t even imagine how incredible the buzz in the air was that day! And how funny! I’d heard the story before but somehow walked away thinking she’d enjoyed the kiss! 😄 Ah well. Great post that leaves a very cool reminder of perspective floating around my brain…Thank You, Aimer! Cheers!!! 🙂
LikeLike
I’d always assumed they were a couple the war had separated… context, right? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! I’d thought the same originally!
LikeLiked by 1 person