In a heartwarming tribute to history, 87-year-old Gloria Bullard, who once graced the iconic Victory over Japan Day kiss photo, returned to Times Square for a touching re-enactment of that joyous moment. Standing beneath a giant projection of the famous image, Gloria allowed herself to be swept off her feet once again, just as she did in 1945 when the world celebrated the end of World War II.
The original photograph, capturing a jubilant kiss between a nurse and a soldier, represents a defining moment for the Greatest Generation. Taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt, the image shows the couple in a passionate embrace, forever etched in the annals of history. Another angle of the same moment was captured by Victor Jorgensen, showcasing the vibrant crowd that filled Times Square in celebration.
Back then, Gloria—known as Gloria Delaney—was a nursing student who happened to be in the area. “We decided to walk over to Eighth Avenue to take the bus home,” she recalled in a 2010 New York Times interview. “That’s when we got caught in Times Square.”
That day, she had been released from class at New York Medical College, donning her starched white uniform as she joined in the festivities. “That was a no-no, but who cares that day?” Gloria reflected. “We didn’t want to lose any time at all.”
Now, 67 years later, Gloria stood proudly as part of the commemoration, embraced by World War II fighter pilot Jerry Yellin. The event was set against a backdrop of projected photos of couples who met during the war, beautifully intertwining their stories with the legendary kiss.
As Gloria reminisced about that unforgettable day, her smile was as bright as ever. “It was so exciting,” she said, recalling the sounds of horns and church bells ringing in celebration.
Sadly, the woman who claimed to be the nurse in the original photo, Edith Shain, passed away in 2010, leaving Gloria’s memories as a vital connection to that historic moment. Yet Gloria believes Edith was also enjoying the moment, adding with a chuckle, “It looked to me like she was trying to keep her skirt down. I got the impression she was enjoying it.”
This reenactment serves as a beautiful reminder of the joy and unity that emerged from the chaos of war, allowing us to cherish both the past and the enduring spirit of love.