An Incredible Story Behind One Of The Most Iconic Photos In The 20th Century
Kissing the war goodbye
“The war is over… the Japanese have surrendered.” were the words a 22-year-old George Mendonsa, and his future wife Rita Petry, heard at Radio City Music Hall while watching a show in August 1945.
People from outside had bust into the Hall, yelling “The war is over!”
Excited, the couple and everyone in the hall ran out and into the street to celebrate. The bars in the city were filled with people wanting to be drunk. The glasses were lined up along the bars and the bartenders kept pouring drinks for their customers.
George, tipsy and still in the mood for celebration, headed to Times Square with Rita by his side. As they crossed Seventh Avenue at 44th Street, George spotted a young woman wearing a white dress standing on the road. She was reading the illuminated news crawl declaring the end of the war.
She was grabbed unawares by George’s arms, tilting her body, before kissing her. The moment he let her go, George stumbled off towards the subway, with Rita trailing behind him. Leaving the woman confused and shocked.
But unknown to them pictures of the kiss were already taken.
