Local remembers friend, kissing soldier
Houston County Courier -  July 2009

By Crystal Rhone
Staff Writer
Reporter2@houstoncountycourier.com

As a jubilant US Navy Sailor, when Glenn McDuffie, heard that the Second World War had ended, the first thing he did was grab a passing nurse, Edith Shain, for a celebratory kiss on New York's Times Square on Aug. 14, 1945.
Photos are still being seen by millions around the globe.
Amazingly this well known account has a Houston County connection in SFC Bobby G. Lowery of Ratcliff.
He and McDuffie have been lifelong friends and he remembers the story of the “Kissing Sailor.”
Lowery is a veteran of the United States Army. He served in the Korea War from 1949 – 1951 and the Vietnam War from 1969 – 1970 and the 25th Infantry Division.
Ms. Shain and her girlfriend exited the subway hand in hand laughing and talking to each other.
Unbeknownst to her, McDuffie sweeps her off her feet and said “Let’s kiss.”
Shocked and not knowing who this man was, she just crossed her legs and her arms were at her side.
Flashes were going off everywhere from all angles that day at Times Square. “I just closed me eyes and got such a grip,” said McDuffie.
Later through the years, he talked to the mysterious woman he had kissed in front of thousands of people, and she said, “I just laid back and surrendered.”
After they kissed, her girlfriend said to Ms. Shain, “Lets go,” and they walked in separate directions.
After almost 65 McDuffie, of Houston, also known as “The kissing sailor”, will make an appearance at the dedication ceremony for the Charles Wilson Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, a new facility in Lufkin at 2206 North John Redditt Drive.
This photo and story was submitted to he Courier by Lowery to remember his lifelong friend the “Kissing Sailor.”
The amazing photograph was taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt who was employed by Life Magazine.