Victory kiss: jubilant moment symbolises end of war

Sculpture depicting Alfred Eisenstaedt photo towers over New York commemoration

Second  World War veterans Ray and Ellie Williams recreate the iconic Alfred Eisenstaedt photograph in Times Square  in New York City in front of a sculpture modelled on the image. Photograph: Bryan Thomas/Getty Images
Second World War veterans Ray and Ellie Williams recreate the iconic Alfred Eisenstaedt photograph in Times Square in New York City in front of a sculpture modelled on the image. Photograph: Bryan Thomas/Getty Images

Dozens of couples gathered in Times Square in New York on Friday to re-enact a famous kiss that celebrated the end of the second World War.

A 25ft sculpture depicting Alfred Eisenstaedt’s photograph of a sailor kissing a white-uniformed nurse towered over the commemoration event.

Ray and Ellie Williams, from Blairsville, Georgia, kicked off the re-enactment of the kiss from August 14th, 1945.

The Williamses, US Navy veterans, married the day after Victory Japan (VJ) Day, 70 years ago.

Mr Williams says he and his wife are "deeply honoured and privileged" to represent the "greatest generation" at the Times Square commemoration.

He says he remembers the jubilation that broke out across the country on VJ Day when Japan’s surrender to Allied forces was announced.

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