Eisenstaedt Photo

Re “A Kiss May Not Still Be a Kiss,” by Donna Britt, Commentary, Aug. 31:

Alfred Eisenstaedt’s famous unposed picture of a sailor grabbing a female and planting a big smooch on her lips was a mere release of pent-up emotion--the sailor had probably been a witness to the horrors of the war, he was probably so elated at being alive and on American shores; and, yes, he was probably ready for some female action--but not at that time.

V-J Day was not only celebrated where this picture was taken, but in my own back yard, so to speak--at CBS Radio, outside the building located on Sunset Boulevard and Gower Street. I was outside during a part of this day, and since soldiers, sailors, Marines and many other people flocked to our station to see the radio shows, I had plenty of enthusiastic kisses planted on my lips by passing males, who were enthusiastically releasing perhaps years of pent-up emotions. Believe me, there was no sexual harassment going on. We were all so relieved that this unbelievable nightmare was over, that kissing a stranger was like a waft of fresh air.

GINNIE RYDER

Laguna Niguel

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* You should inform Britt that the renowned photograph of the sailor kissing the nurse on V-J Day was a setup. Eisenstaedt, admittedly, staged the “spontaneous” encounter.

DON R. HICKS

Glendale

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* When I read Britt’s column I couldn’t stop laughing. Here I am, a single, white gay American male. I can only pray that a handsome, strong, uniformed serviceman will grab me on a busy street and kiss me on the lips. Wow! I don’t call that sexual harassment. I call it heaven.

WAIDE RIDDLE

West Hollywood