V-J Day Parade 

Edward A. Sallenbach's lithograph captures a V-J Day parade, revealing potent symbols of victory and the complex emotions it evokes. Flags wave atop military vehicles, guns stand by; these are the emblems of triumph but also instruments of destruction and remembrance of sacrifice. The tree, a common symbol of life and growth, frames the scene, yet its stark, leafless branches suggest a world irrevocably changed by war. This interplay reminds us of the cyclical nature of history and the constant negotiation between creation and annihilation. The crowds watching the parade become a modern chorus, witnessing a pivotal moment. Consider the ancient Roman triumphs, where victorious generals paraded through Rome. The V-J Day celebrations echo this primal need to commemorate collective achievements, reminding us that such displays are deeply embedded in our cultural psyche. The image is a tableau of shared experience, where collective memory shapes individual perception. The emotional weight carried within this seemingly simple scene serves as a powerful reminder of war's complex legacy.