Fox’s first — Two Republican lawmakers are directing the iconic VJ Day photo in Times Square to be removed from the VA Medical Center and demanding the removal of the Department of Veterans Affairs officials responsible for the memo, which has since been retracted.
Montana Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) after the X-account “End Wokeness” published a memo sent last week by Assistant Secretary for Health Services Rima Ann Nelson. , wrote a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Dennis McDonough.
In his memo, Nelson said the historic photo of a Navy sailor kissing a woman in Times Square on VJ Day in 1945 “promotes a more trauma-informed environment that promotes psychological safety.” They called for their removal from all VA medical buildings. . ”
“This action was prompted by the realization that photos depicting non-consensual acts were inconsistent with the VA’s zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and assault as outlined in the Veterans Handbook,” the memo said. is stated.
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A poster commemorating the photograph of Alfred Eisenstedt was put up in Times Square in New York City on August 14, 2015. The photo was taken 70 years ago on Victory Day and was recreated by Navy veterans Ray and Ellie Williams as part of the VJ Day 70th anniversary celebrations. (Brian Thomas/Getty Images)
McDonough rescinded the memo in a statement Tuesday.
“To be clear, this image is not prohibited from being used at a VA facility. We will keep it at a VA facility,” McDonough said.
A Department of Veterans Affairs spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that the memo should not have been sent, but it was, and the document has been rescinded.
But lawmakers are calling for Nelson’s removal, citing a “politically driven memo.”
They called the memo “just the latest in a series of misguided actions and a woke agenda to determine veterans’ management.”
Lawmakers asked McDonough for details about the process for drafting and approving the memo.
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Veterans Affairs Secretary Dennis McDonough will testify at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on April 26, 2023. (Getty Images)
“Not only is this proposed policy poorly conceived, it is somehow seen as an operational priority for VHA in the face of significant problems with recruitment and retention, hiring freezes, and budget constraints. “This raises questions about VHA’s organizational structure and the quality of some of its core management team,” the letter states.
McDonough responded to the letter in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying, “Lima has dedicated her career to serving veterans. We are fortunate to have her in the VA and she is a member of the VA.” It will remain in place,” he said.
[OnAugust141945anAmericansailorkissesawhite-uniformednursepassionatelyinTimesSquareaspedestrianslookontocelebratethelong-awaitedvictoryoverJapanThisisanexcerptfromtheiconicimagethatEisenstaedtiswidelyknownfor[1945年8月14日、待ちに待った対日勝利を祝うためタイムズスクエアで、歩行者が見守る中、アメリカ人水兵が白い制服を着た看護師に情熱的にキスをする。これは、アイゼンシュテットが広く知られている象徴的なイメージではない抜粋である。 (LIFE/Shutterstock)
Nelson’s memo states that “views about historical events and their representation are evolving,” adding, “Recent discussions have highlighted concerns about the non-consensual nature of kissing, and in today’s environment, “It has sparked a debate about the consent and appropriateness of celebrating such images, especially within the country.” Institutions such as his VHA facility are committed to upholding standards that create a safe and respectful environment.
“This action reflects our dedication to creating a respectful and safe workplace and is consistent with our broader commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and recognition.” He continued.
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World War II veterans Ray and Ellie Williams recreate the historic Alfred Eisenstedt photo in Times Square in New York City on August 14, 2015. (Brian Thomas/Getty Images)
Lawmakers asked whether the Office of Management and Budget, the Council on Domestic Policy, or the White House provided input on this guidance, whether a draft memo was provided to the Office of the Secretary for review or approval, and whether this policy I asked how it was considered. To benefit either veterans or health care operations.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday that “the Department of Veterans Affairs has no intention of banning this photo.”
“I can assure you that this memo was not authorized. So that’s not even something we were aware of.”
Deputies also asked about other memos issued by Nelson.
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“The Veterans Administration needs to reevaluate its priorities and start putting veterans at the center of its daily operations,” the lawmakers said. “This cannot happen with a leadership system that advocates political policy over veterans’ priorities. Starting with the termination of Mr. Nelson’s employment at the Department of Veterans Affairs, those responsible for this false memo will be held accountable. It needs to be asked.”
