The caption for Alfred Eisenstaedt’s photograph in the August 27, 1945, issue of LIFE was “In the middle of New York’s Times Square a white-clad girl clutches her purse and skirt as an uninhibited sailor plants his lips squarely on hers.” (Read more about the photograph at LIFE.com.) In 2012, CBS News identified the sailor and nurse in the photo as George Mendonsa, a retired fisherman from Rhode Island, and Greta Friedman, and brought them together again in Times Square.
17 Memorable Kisses Throughout History
Smooches to remember in time for Valentine's Day
V-J Day in Times Square Kiss
Full List
Kisses
- Auguste Rodin’s The Kiss
- Thomas Edison’s The Kiss
- Hershey’s Kisses
- V-J Day in Times Square Kiss
- The Kiss of Death
- KISS
- World Leaders Kiss
- Al and Tipper Gore Kiss
- Ray Bourque’s Stanley Cup Kiss
- Britney and Madonna Kiss
- Post-Stanley Cup Riots Kiss
- World Leaders Don’t Kiss
- The Obamas on The Kiss Cam
- The Fastest Runner Kiss
- The Longest Kiss
- TIME Covers of Same-Sex Couples Kisses:
- Speed Skaters Kiss