Blog Post 3: V-J Day in Times Square

Victory over Japan Day was celebrated in many different ways. Some were more violent when others were more joyous. When Alfred Eisenstaedt took this photo, he only captured part of what was truly happening in the world behind it. When World War II ended, only few cities were celebrated. Many were mourning over the loss of the ones they cared for. As much as this day was one to celebrate, it was one to cry over as well. That is why this photograph was not the cover picture of LIFE magazine. This picture did not explain the true story of the ending of World War II. I have personally never seen this picture before, so I did not know of its significance. When I first looked at this picture, I assumed that it was two people celebrating a joyous time in their lives. This is because no one else in the background seemed to be enjoying. As I read the article, I was shocked by the truth of this picture. By looking at this photograph, there is still no way I could believe that it marked the end of World War II. The further I got into the article, the more I realized that this was one of many events that happened that day, along with ones that put many to misery. What really amazed me is the thought that those who were so happy and filled with joy to see their loved ones did not give a second thought to those who will never see them again. This article changed my view on that photograph becuase it helped me realize that something that brings one joy could bring another sorrow.

Image source: http://time.com/3517476/v-j-day-1945-a-nation-lets-loose/ (Links to an external site.)