Manhattan Tutors

About Manhattan

When the original 13 colonies were founded, they probably never thought any of them would end up one of the most populated cities in the world. Manhattan is now the most populated area of New York City and also is the original birthplace of the great city. Not only does the borough stand as the main epicenter for New York County but it also has been called the cultural, financial, media and entertainment capital of the world. It is also home to the United Nations Headquarters, where all the world’s nations congregate. New York County may be the United States second smallest county, but it remains strong as the nation's most populated county. Manhattan has been the site for many downfalls as well as success stories. From riots for equal rights to parades of joy, the city has seen it all. One of the city’s most iconic days was the Victory over Japan Day on August 15, 1945.

Victory over Japan Day, or V-J Day, was the marking of the ending of World War II. Imperial Japan announced their surrender to the United States. Because of the time zone difference, Japan’s surrender was announced in the US on August 14, 1945. A surrender document was signed on September 2, 1945, which marked the official ending of World War II. Nations all over the world would proceed to celebrate the ending of the deadly war. Japan performed a formal surrender ceremony on September 2nd in Tokyo Bay. Their formal ceremony mourned the war dead and prayed for peace. The United Kingdom also celebrated the end of the war with their own celebrations. But it seems no country celebrated as happily as the Americans. After President Truman’s announcement of Japan’s surrender, riots of joy flooded streets all across America. If you are struggling in school, contact a tutor in your area for help raising your grades. From Washington DC to the San Francisco Bay, the American people unleashed their happiness. A frenzy of kisses, hugs, and tears covered the nation. During this riot of craze and love, one of the best-known kisses in history took place in Times Square of Manhattan.

Shortly after the announcement, photographers Victor Jorgensen and Alfred Eisenstaedt, took to the streets to document the celebrations taking place. Both happened to spot a sailor grabbing who they thought was a nurse and they kissed. The two photographers each took a similar photo of the couple. The photos would be published in the New York Time’s and Life Magazine only to soon become one of the most famous photographs ever published by Life. Many came forward saying they were the sailor and woman in the picture. Greta Zimmer Friedman and sailor George Mendonca were identified as the two kissing on V-J Day in Times Square. Most thought Greta was a nurse but in an interview, she explained she was actually a dental assistant who wore a similar uniform. Greta was a Jewish Austrian immigrant whose parents perished in a concentration camp during the war. She did not know the sailor nor did she really like the kiss, but their celebration of the war will remain one of America’s most iconic photographs.