It was 1945 all over again: Howard Schonberger and Helen Sawyer best replicate famous Times Square kiss

For a moment, it was Times Square 1945 all over again. Veterans from each of the military branches and their significant others took to the American Legion stage Saturday to see who could best replicate that famous kiss captured by a Life magazine photographer when the end of World War II was announced. The winners: Army veteran Howard Schonberger and his bride, Helen Sawyer.

March 22, 2010 4:49 am
Top photo: Howard Schonberger and Helen Sawyer won the kissing contest in the American Legion
Top photo: Howard Schonberger and Helen Sawyer won the kissing contest in the American Legion

For a moment, it was Times Square 1945 all over again.

Veterans from each of the military branches and their significant others took to the American Legion stage Saturday to see who could best replicate that famous spontaneous celebratory gesture captured by a Life magazine photographer when the end of World War II was announced.

The winners: Army veteran Howard Schonberger and his bride, Helen Sawyer. The romantic couple won a romantic dinner at The Bluffs restaurant.

The event was a highlight of the dinner held to honor World War II veterans. The dinner was free to World War II veterans and their spouses. Attendees dined on Caesar salad, tri tip roast, red potato, green vegetables, and Gordy’s Famous Supreme Cookie. Ary Hobbel was toastmaster. Jill Urbach and the One More Time Band performed period music.

Co-organizer Pauli Gavora of the American Legion Auxiliary said the event raised money for Honor Flights, to send World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. to tour the World War II Memorial. Former senator Bob Dole, who was wounded in action during World War II, will meet each plane. Veterans and their spouses will receive flights and accommodations for free.