NEW ORLEANS (August 3, 2010) – No newsflash in modern history has ever been greeted with such overwhelming celebration as the announcement that Japan had surrendered, effectively ending World War II, a war that Americans thought would go on indefinitely. Of all the iconic images from that day, the one that still continues to embody the spirit of the nation was of one very famous kiss between a nurse and a sailor.
On August 14, The National World War II Museum is recreating that moment with a Times Square Kissing Contest in honor of the 65th anniversary of V-J Day. Competing couples will be judged on costume and the authenticity of their pose. The contest will be held in the Museum’s Stage Door Canteen from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Winners will receive a Museum prize package including tickets to the 4-D experience Beyond All Boundaries featuring Tom Hanks as well as dinner and a show at the Stage Door Canteen.
Registration will begin on the day of the event at 10:00 am and ends at 1:00 pm in the Stage Door Canteen. The contest is open to the first 25 couples to sign up in person on the day of the event. Pre-registration is required. The public is invited to watch the contest at no charge. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The winner will be decided by special guest judges.
Other V-J Day Anniversary events will include a commemoration ceremony at 12:00 pm in the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion and a free performance by the Victory Belles singing trio from 1:00-2:00pm in the Stage Door Canteen immediately preceding the Kissing Contest.
Can’t make it to New Orleans? Visit the Museum’s VJ Day gallery on Flickr.com to see other famous VJ Day photos. Facebook fans can also post their own pictures at www.facebook.com/wwiimuseum.
The National World War II Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world – why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National World War II Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-527-6012 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org. Follow us on Twitter at WWIImuseum or visit our Facebook fan page.