70 Years Later, Kisses in Times Square Mark End of WWII

Hundreds of couples were in Times Square on Friday morning to re-enact the iconic kiss photo taken 70 years ago when Japan surrendered to the U.S., ending World War II.

The mass "kiss-in" marked the 70th Victor in Japan Day, or V-J Day, and was ushered in by a husband and wife celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary. Ray and Ellie Williams traveled from Georgia to take part. They married on August 15, 1945, the same day that thousands took to Times Square to celebrate the war's end.

The couples on Friday wore sailor hats and held roses handed out to them as part of the re-enactment. Alfred Eisenstaedt took the iconic photo of an American sailor and woman in a white dress kissing among other revelers. The photo, "VJ-Day in Times Square," was published on the cover of Life magazine the next week.

Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive, a non-profit organization, organized the "kiss-in" as part of a larger series of events. The group is dedicated to inspiring young people with the lessons of the "Greatest Generation," according to the Associated Press.

A 25-foot high sculpture replica of the original kiss, entitled "Embracing Peace" is in Times Square until August 16 in celebration of VJ-Day.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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