Greta died.

Who? Greta Zimmer Friedman. She passed into eternity September 8, in Richmond, Virginia.

You say you don’t know her. Don’t know who she was. Well, now. That’s true, but . . .

She was in one of the two most iconic photographs taken in the twentieth century.

One of those photos was of the raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima. Actually, it was the second flag raised, but you probably know that story.

Let me, to get back to Greta, quote directly from the Associated Press story.

“The woman who was kissed by an ecstatic sailor in Times Square celebrating the end of World War II has died at the age of 92.

“Greta Friedman was a 21-year-old dental assistant in a nurse’s uniform on August 14, 1945, known as V-J Day, the day the Japanese surrendered. People spilled out into the streets from restaurants, bars and movie theaters in New York City when they heard the news. That is when George Mendonsa spotted Friedman, spun her around and planted a kiss on her. The two had never met.

“In fact, Mendonsa was on a date with an actual nurse, Rita Petry, who would later become his wife.”

This was one of those very special moments, at a very special time in the history of our Republic, that was completely impromptu. And to think, it was captured on camera.

Greta Zimmer Friedman. A part — a visual part — of our American history.

Forever.

APROPOS — “ A picture is worth a thousand words.”

— Anon