"Let me be clear: This image is not banned from VA facilities – and we will keep it in VA facilities," wrote VA Secretary Denis McDonough in a post to X.
Let me be clear: This image is not banned from VA facilities - and we will keep it in VA facilities. pic.twitter.com/dYSikLxHAJ
— Secretary Denis McDonough (@SecVetAffairs) March 5, 2024
McDonough was responding to a memo written by RimaAnn Nelson, who serves as the assistant undersecretary for health for operations at the VA's Health Network sub-agency, who - according to the maybe real memo, directed regional officials to remove teh photo from all health facilities "to foster a more trauma-informed environment."
A screenshot obtained by the DCNF appears to show an email sent out by the Office of the Assistant Under Secretary of Health for Operations’ communications team to an listserv of Veterans Integrated Services Networks directors announcing the policy change.
The email’s subject line is “Operational memorandum: Removal and Replacement of ‘V-J Day in Times Square’ Photographs” and the email is dated Feb. 29, 2024.
“The Office of the Assistant Under Secretary of Health for Operations is sending the attached memorandum … on behalf of the VHA, Assault and Harassment Prevention Office,” the email states, directing recipients to share the memo with leaders of their respective VA medical centers. -Daily Caller
Nelson suggested that the kiss was
'non-consensual,' and violates the VA's policies toward sexual
harrassment and assault, she said in the memo. "However, perspectives on
historical events and their representations evolve."
EXCLUSIVE:
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) March 5, 2024
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
"The placement of this photograph in VA facilities was intended to celebrate and commemorate the end of World War II and the triumphant return of American soldiers," wrote Nelson.
The photo was taken by Life magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt, who captured the iconic photograph of sailer George Mendonsa kissing a nurse named Greta Zimmer Friedman on Aug. 14, 1945.
Here's where it gets interesting - "A memo was sent out that should not have been, and it has been rescinded," a VA official told the Daily Caller.
In short - a rogue woke sub-agency employee decreed that the photo be removed, never ran it up the flagpole, and was just shut down by leadership.