国际英语新闻：New York commemorates WWII victory with "Kiss-In"

NEW YORK, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of couples from all generations gathered for a group "Kiss-In" on Saturday at New York 's Times Square to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the end of the World War Two.

The group "Kiss-In" recreated the kiss between an American sailor and nurse captured by Life Magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt 65 years ago, when Americans celebrated the V-J Day at Times Square, marking the victory over Japan that ended the war in 1945.

More than 200 couples of all nationalities, colors, ages, religions, with gentlemen wearing a white sailor's cap and ladies holding a red rose, kissed each other at Times Square for peace and salute the men and women of the armed forces.

"It was very romantic and it was fun. We practiced this morning before we came here. It is amazing to be part of this historic day, " said Jennifer A. Sermas, a physical therapist in New York, who took part in the "Kiss In," wearing the nurse costume.

A 26-foot statue, entitled "Unconditional Surrender," the replica of the sailor and nurse created by acclaimed artist Seward Johnson, towered above the kissing couples.

The ceremony also featured speeches from veterans of the War, live music from the era and reflections on the significance of that historic day.

This year marks the fifth year of the annual "Kiss-In" at Times Square organized by the Times Square Alliance. They also provide prizes for "best themes couples" and "most symbolic kiss" with awards including dinners, free hotel stays and tickets to Broadway shows.