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The period between 1939 and 1945 marked one of the most devastating events of the 20th century, as well as the greatest war in history: World War II. During this war, most of the world's nations were involved, including all the great powers of the time, grouped into two major forces; on the one hand, the Allies (USA, United Kingdom, France and the Soviet Union), and on the other hand, the Axis (Germany, Italy and Japan). In this context, or rather, at the end of it, the photograph in question was taken.
In the image we can see Dwight D. Eisenhower, who at that time was the military Governor of the US Occupation Zone in Germany, as well as General of the US Army. The photograph was taken on June 29, 1945, during the parade celebrating the victory of the Allied side over the Axis powers, which marked the end of World War II.
The moment captured reflects a part of the motorcade that had been formed, within the structure of the parade, to transport the then governor and general during the event. This leads us to understand that motorcades are not always related to the simple transfer of an institutional or governmental personality from one point to another, but are also configured for occasions in which a parade, a celebration or a solemn act must be carried out.
Although in the image we cannot appreciate the situation surrounding the vehicle very well, we can affirm that, in motorcades of this type, the security devices deployed are the same, or even of greater magnitude, than in motorcades for transfers purely as such. This is due to the fact that the "parade" motorcades are much slower and longer movements than the "transfer" motorcades, and the circumstances surrounding them imply the accumulation of a large number of people around them, which increases the probability of situations that could compromise the physical integrity of the VIP.
In addition, taking into account that the motorcade of transfer are already marked by a very accentuated protocol component, it is logical to deduce that those of parade will have this component, elevated to the maximum power. Thus, we can see, in the lower left corner of the photo, the flag waving in front of one of the car's headlights. It is the emblem of the city of New York; the place where the parade was held. However, this flag is modified for the occasion, since, above the city's coat of arms, five stars appear, corresponding to the insignia of the rank of General (five stars) of Eisenhower's US Army.
Finally, and although it can not be seen in the photo, in front of the right headlight of the car, waved another flag, this time only with the insignia of General rank 5 stars on a blue background.
