V-J Day in Times Square

Made almost 70 years ago, it remains one of the most famous photographs of the 20th century: a U.S navy sailor grabbing and kissing a nurse in Times Square on V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) in Times Square on August 14, 1945.

Alfred Eisenstaedt was one of the first four photographers hired by LIFE magazine to "find and catch the storytelling moment.” He was searching for the perfect image to show the joy and relief that the nation felt after some years of global conflict.

He didn’t have to go far for it , taking in the mood on the streets of New York City, Eisenstaedt soon found himself in the joyous tumult of Times Square. As he searched for subjects, a sailor in front of him grabbed hold of a nurse, tilted her back and kissed her. Eisenstaedt’s photograph of that passionate swoop distilled the relief and promise of that momentous day in a single moment of unbridled joy (although some argue today that it should be seen as a case of sexual assault).

Because he was photographing rapidly changing events during the celebrations, Eisenstaedt did not have an opportunity to get the names and details. The photograph does not clearly show the face of either person involved, and numerous people have claimed to be the subjects.

This photo has become one of the most frequently reproduced pictures of the modern history, and it forms the basis of a collective memory of a difficult stage in world history. Eisenstaedt said “people tell me that when I’m in heaven, they will remember this picture.”