Greta Friedman Dies at 92

Greta Friedman, Nurse in Famous Photo Dies at 92

Greta Friedman, the woman behind history’s most famous kiss, passed away last Thursday, September 8 at age 92. Greta was immortalized in the iconic photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt, “VJ Day in Times Square” – a photo, a kiss, and a moment that defined a generation. World War II had finally come to an end, and spontaneous celebrations erupted across the country, one of the most famous happening in New York’s Time Square. This moment of euphoric celebration captured in the photo features Sailor George Mendonsa and Greta, who at the time was a dental assistant.

Ms. Friedman was born Greta Zimmer in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, to Jewish parents. As conditions grew increasingly dangerous for Jews in Austria during Nazi occupation, Greta’s parents sent her and three sisters out of the country. Greta immigrated to New York where she worked in a dental office, which is why she is wearing that outfit in the famed photo. Tragically, Greta’s parents died in the Holocaust.

Greta has been a strong supporter of the American Veterans Center for many years, and attended our annual program recognizing our veterans, “The Honors” in 2012. It has been our pleasure to get to know her through our work recognizing the Greatest Generation.