Biden’s Department of Veterans Affairs Bans Iconic ‘Kissing Sailor’ WWII Photo — Says it Promotes ‘Sexual Assault’

“Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And the process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Party is always right.” ― George Orwell, 1984

My good friend, and fellow Vietnam combat veteran, LTC Rich Swier, U.S. Army (Ret.) while president of the Sarasota County Veterans Commission was able to bring the 24′ high statue named by the artist Seward Johnson “Unconditional Surrender” after the famous words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941 to Florida.

Bringing it to the Sarasota Bayfront was special as Florida has one of the largest number of retired veterans in the nation.

This iconic statue, taken from the iconic 1945 “Kissing Sailor” photo in Times Square by Alfred Eisenstaedt, depicts the end of WW II with the unconditional surrender of Japan on the 2nd of September 1945.

The statue Unconditional Surrender was paid for by Jack Curran, a WW II Navy veteran. After leaving the Navy, Jack became the man responsible for all the monuments in Washington, D.C. Jack wanted the Unconditional Surrender statue placed in a prominent location for all to see. Jack paid $500,000 for the statue.

The Sarasota City Commission approved the placement of the statue on Sarasota’s Bayfront, where it remains to this day.

It has since become a landmark drawing tens of thousand of people to it to take a picture. Many are couples, some are Navy veterans with their nurse wife, who do the dip and kiss one another. They want to keep this as a lasting memory, forever. As a symbol of never give up, never surrender.

Rich said to me, “When it was announced that the Veterans Commission wanted to bring the statue to the Sarasota Bayfront there were those who tried to denigrate what it stood for, the greatest military victory in the history of the United States military over Hitler, Mussolini and Hirohito. Rich recalls that one woman was interview by the Sarasota Herald Tribune and said that the sailor was assaulting the nurse.”

Déjà vu, Fast forward to 2024 and these same words are being used by Biden’s VA.

I have just contacted the Department of Veterans Affairs. I have case #11964534 on file if anyone wants to call in and check the status — stupid is as stupid does.

Veterans Affairs Ban Iconic World War II Photo

It’s one of the most iconic American photos ever taken. The “Kissing Sailor” captured a spontaneous and passionate moment in history. Taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt in Times Square on V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) on August 14, 1945, the image features a sailor kissing a nurse in the midst of jubilant celebrations marking the end of World War II.

The identity of the individuals remained a mystery for years, fueling speculation and intrigue. Eventually, in 2012, the subjects were identified as George Mendonsa, a sailor, and Greta Zimmer Friedman, a dental assistant. The photograph came to symbolize the sheer exuberance and relief felt by the nation as the war finally came to an end.

Now, the Department of Veterans Affairs has banned the photo because liberal bureaucrats argue it promotes sexual assault. 

A new memo from the Assistant Under Secretary for Health and Operations at the Department writes in a memo that “The Department of Justice’s current definition of sexual assault includes any non-consensual sexual act or any act where the victim cannot consent. This definition is adhered to by the Department when applying our policies and guidance. By the VA’s no tolerance policy towards domestic violence, sexual harassment, and assault, as outlined in the VA Handbook 5979 and VHA Directive 5019.02(1), the VA is committed to eliminating these behaviors in our community. Employees have expressed discomfort with the display of this photograph, suggesting that its presence could be construed as a tacit endorsement of the inappropriate behavior it depicts. 

To foster a more trauma-informed environment that promotes the psychological safety of our employees and the Veterans we serve, photographs depicting the “V-J Day in Times Square” should be removed from all WHA facilities. This action reflects our dedication to creating a respectful and safe workplace and is in keeping with our broader efforts to promote a culture of inclusivity and awareness. 

In Celebrating the end of World War II and the valiant service of our Veterans, facilities should seek alternative photographs that capture the spirit of victory and peace without compromising the VA’s commitment to a safe and respectful environment.

EXCLUSIVE:

The Department Of Veterans Affairs just BANNED the V-J Day kiss photo from all department facilities.

"To promote a culture of inclusivity and awareness… your cooperation is vital." pic.twitter.com/MZfNHbpV76

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) March 5, 2024

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