Edith Shain, the subject of the iconic WWII Times Square kiss from a sailor, has passed away at 91.
Shain was immortalized on the cover of Life magazine, her image captured in the August 14, 1945 celebration of the end of the war on V-J Day. While Shain came forward in the ’70s to name herself in the photo, the identity of the sailor remains unresolved.
Explaining the moment in later years, Shain said, “I went from [Doctor's Hospital] to Times Square that day because the war was over, and where else does a New Yorker go? “And this guy grabbed me and we kissed, and then I turned one way and he turned the other.”
Edith’s son, Michael Shain, described the photo taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt as capturing “an epic moment in American history, one that inspired patriotism, unity, joy and a spontaneous national pride in victoriously ending the war.”
Edith Shain later attended war and veteran-related events such a wreath layings, parades and other memorial celebrations.
“My mom was always willing take on new challenges and caring for the World War II veterans energized her to take another chance to make a difference,” her son Justin Decker said in a statement.
Edith Shain passed away at her home in LA on Sunday, leaving behind three sons, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
A living hope from the past.
Which picture could explain more that peace is better than war.
Rest in peace