Anchored in history-

 

Hundreds Kiss In NYC In Honor Of The End Of WWII

NEW YORK -- Hundreds of couples donned sailor hats and nurse's caps and smooched in Times Square on Saturday to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The couples were re-enacting the famous Life magazine photograph of a nurse being passionately kissed by a sailor at the end of the war. A 26-foot statue replicating the original photo was also erected for the celebration.

World War II veterans and their children on hand for the kiss said they want today's generation to remember the sacrifices of those who fought in the war.

"I want to keep that day alive," said Rocco Moretto, 86, a retired infantry staff sergeant now living in Queens.

Moretto, who stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day and arrived in Times Square in his uniform, kissed his friend Margie Zwick, who served in the Women's Army Corps.

"It was terrific," he said of the kiss. "It's been a long time coming."

The Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive! grass roots campaign was holding a series of events around the country marking the day.

Edith Shain, who said she was the nurse in the original photo, died in June at the age of 91.

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D-DAY- 66 Years Ago

The D-Day invasion of World War II, codenamed Operation Overlord, began on June 6, 1944. The assault was originally planned for June 5th. However, due to poor weather General Dwight Eisenhower decided to move the date of the invasion to the 6th. It was among the largest amphibious assaults ever attempted. Franklin D. Roosevelt, was President of the United States of America.

"Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely"
~~~General Dwight Eisenhower - 6th June 1944 ~~~

D-Day
June 6, 1944

"This operation is not being planned with any alternatives. This operation is planned as a victory, and that's the way it's going to be. We're going down there, and we're throwing everything we have into it, and we're going to make it a success."
~~~General Dwight D. Eisenhower~~~

To "Mr. Mac"- I have not forgotten anything you told me about this great country. I cherish your war stories on those long summer evenings rocking on your porch.