The most famous kiss of the Second World War took place a few months after VE Day, when a sailor was pictured sharing his jubilation with a nurse in New York’s Times Square after news emerged of the victory over Japan.
Now the Royal British Legion is asking people to recreate that same extraordinary spirit of celebration to mark the anniversary of victory in Europe by sharing a photo of themselves smooching with a loved one on social media.
The Legion has photographed famous faces puckering up to reflect the euphoria that came with the announcement on May 8, 1945 that the war in Europe was finally over.
Among those sharing a kiss are dancer Darcey Bussell and Afghanistan veteran Ben McBean, Spooks actress Hermione Norris and Chelsea Pensioner Harry Puttick, and actor Tom Hardy and his wife Charlotte.
Chief Scout and former SAS reservist Bear Grylls is pictured sharing a kiss with his wife Shara, TV presenter Susanna Reid shares a tender moment with her father Barry and historian Dan Snow puckers up with Chelsea Pensioner Marjorie Cole.
The Legion wants thousands of Britons to share their own photos of a celebratory kiss in the lead up to VE Day on Twitter, with the hashtag #KissforVEDay.
All the pictures will then be shared on the Legion’s commemorative website, www.veday.org.uk.
The site also features personal recollections of VE Day, including the memories of people such as actress Barbara Windsor and broadcaster Michael Parkinson.
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