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‘Kissing Sailor’ in iconic photo turns 95
George Mendonsa celebrated his 95th birthday on Feb. 19.
By Mark D. Faram
The kiss heard 'round the world WWII sailor gives lip service over famous photo
It was the day that World War II ended and Navy Quartermaster 1st Class George Mendonsa was about to catch a train back to the West Coast and his ship, the destroyer The Sullivans. It was then he and his wife, Rita, heard the announcement that the Japanese had surrendered and New York City was going Mad. In a moment of relief and thanks, George saw a woman in a nurses outfit, grabbed her and kissed her. Life photographer Alfred Eisenstadt and Navy photographer Victor Jorgensen, only a few feet apart, both captured the moment -- and the rest is history.
By Mark D. Faram