Kissing the War Away

The end of World War Two came in two stages. The first was V-E Day, for victory in Europe, and was naturally the cause of much celebration, especially among European nations. However, the final end of the war wasn't until August when Japan surrendered -- V-J day in most countries, though V-P Day, for Victory Pacific, in Australia. It was finally well and truly over and celebrations were great. V-J Day is where we get the famous photograph of a sailor dipping a woman to kiss her in New York city-- but they were hardly the only two celebrating with kisses! 

All except the first of these photographs are in New York city, and from the LIFE archives.

Australian War Memorial

Sydney, Australia. Source

Alfred Eisenstaedt, LIFE © Time Inc.

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William C. Shrout, LIFE © Time Inc.

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William C. Shrout, LIFE © Time Inc.

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Gordon Coster, LIFE © Time Inc.

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Walter Sanders, LIFE © Time Inc.

Enthusiastic kissing on top of a jeep. Source

William C. Shrout, LIFE © Time Inc.

Alfred Eisenstadt, photographer of the famous V-J Day kiss, having his turn celebrating with a reporter. Source

Alfred Eisenstaedt, LIFE © Time Inc.

And, all right, 'that' kiss! Source

Also interesting-- the contact sheet for 'that' photograph!