70 years ago ...
August 14, 1945 was the dawn, ending those dark days from 1939 - 1945 which were marked by a horrific world war. World War II left no continent untouched and a devastating body count. With causalities approaching 70 million, it may have been the worst war in recorded human history, such seen in this interactive video: The Fallen of World War II on Vimeo
But as the Psalmist wrote:
"... weeping may endure for a night,
but joy cometh in the morning."
Finally the night of weeping ended and joy came with the unconditional surrender of Japan bringing with it a promise of peace.
This iconic kiss was a snapshot of that day - capturing the spirit of VJ Day - Victory over Japan. And I wrote about it five years ago in this blog: A kiss immortalized in August 14, 1945
Since then, the identity of the nurse has been challenged. Some have come forward claiming to be the sailor and the nurse in the photo. Even science has weighed in: Solving The 'VJ Day Kiss' Photograph Mystery Using Astronomy And Science
Who were they really?
Perhaps it's best to let it be. It was what it was ... a magical moment ... the hand of fate.
And 70 years ago was a different time. During World War Two, America was united. We were bold and committed to what FDR said in his Pearl Harbor speech -
"No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion,
the American people in their righteous might
will win through to absolute victory. ...
Yet, FDR would not live to see the end of the war, but died in office on April 12, 1945. [reference: FDR Dies]
But he inspired us to never give up and overcome in the face of overwhelming odds, like he never gave up when faced with a crippling handicap, as dramatized in this scene: The best part of the movie "Pearl Harbor"
And though I wasn't born yet, my parents had not met yet, it does make me feel nostalgic for a time when all Americans are united, again, and determined to fight for the right. And in the end experience ...
* The sweet kiss of victory! *
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Previous posts in this series:
Nostalgia (part 1) - A Father's Thanksgiving Prayer (2014)
Nostalgia (part 2) - Christmas Past in War and Peace (2014)
Nostalgia (part 3) - Something Old, Something New (2014)
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Photo from: Kissing the War Goodbye/Wikipedia.com
Ron