This evening Tony and I went down to Sarasota Bayfront Park to walk around! Free parking! The huge famous "Unconditional Surrender" Statue depicting the infamous end to War World 2 was on display! This is very lovely! Highly recommend! read more

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The Unconditional Surrender statue (even the name is bursting with a romance and hope) is 26 feet tall aluminum computer generated statue by Seward Johnson of an iconic 1945 photograph by Alfred Eisenstaedt, V-J day in Times Square. It is installed along the Bayfront between O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill and Marina Jack. It's easy accessible with plenty of parking spaces around, and gorgeous backdrop of blue sky and marina in the back. A sailor kissing the nurse, both happy to hear that the war is over.. it is hard not to feel an enthusiasm and hope, great addition to the Downtown Sarasota. read more

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This was a nice surprise seeing this iconic statue in Sarasota. We were just going to the park and came across this cool site. My wife and I reenacted it and had a great time read more

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This statue is a striking and wonderful addition to Sarasota, Florida and is a recreation of the iconic Alfred Eisenstaedt photo, V-J Day in Times Square from 1945 of a sailor kissing a nurse upon hearing the news that World War II had ended. The statue was created by Seward Johnson and adds a bit of personality to the Sarasota, Florida area. If you are in the area and come across it, I think that you will enjoy this bit of art that sits in Sarasota. These pieces of art bring a personality to what would otherwise simply be asphalt and steel. read more

Unconditional Surrender - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Gracing the cover of Time magazine, the famous kissing soldier photo dubbed as the unconditional surrender marking the end of World War 2 has a monument gracing the Sarasota bayfront, and it's the ideal photo op stop. The marina area where the statue is located has a beautiful park with wonderful views of the water and a restaurant. The best part is that there's plenty of free parking, so while some may consider it touristy, definitely worth a stop as it's one of the main symbols of the city of Sarasota and very easily accessible. read more

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You have to stop here if in Sarasota! Nice place with a statue of the famous kiss at Bayfront Park. Loved the place and took a picture in the same pose with the lovely wife. Five stars! read more

Unconditional Surrender - Famous kiss - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota has a 26 foot tall statue called Unconditional Surrender on the Sarasota Bayfront on Gulstream Avenue. It is an aluminum computer generated sculpture by Seward Johnson of the famous photograph by Alfred Eisenstaedt, V-J Day in Times Square. In the photo an anonymous service man dips a nurse in a spontaneous kiss to celebrate the United States victory over Japan, ending their conflict in WWII. The photo appeared on the cover of Life magazine and was dubbed the kissing sailor. A fiber glass version of the sculpture was first installed in Sarasota in 2005 before being moved the next year to San Diego, California. In 2010 an improved aluminum statue that could withstand hurricane winds came back to Sarasota. The decision to accept the statue back in Sarasota was heavily influenced by Larry Thompson, the president of Ringling College. The $700,000 statue was purchased and donated to the City of Sarasota by WWII veteran Jack Curran, with help from Sarasota veterans and organizations. In 2012 the statue was hit by a car and temporarily removed for repairs. Art critics have derided the statue as tacky but it is beloved by the public. Couples love to have their picture taken recreating the embrace in the front of the sculpture. The City of Sarasota would like to move the stature four miles away to the Sahib Shriners' campus at 600 N. Beneva Road. The Shriners are made up of a large group of military veterans and they hope to display the art work and offer historical context about it. The city is caught in controversy between veterans who love the sculpture and a group of women who view it as sexual assault. Personally I hope the Shriners find a way to keep the statue in Sarasota. I am no art critic but I love how it is symbol of the end of WWII and a tribute to the contribution of the brave men and women who fought in the war. read more

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We felt so much emotion when we saw this historical statue as we drove past it. We hit the brakes and pulled into Marina Jacks to drive over to it. It's in a beautiful spot among the trees and the water. Incredibly beautiful and touching to see. It may not mean much to the younger generation but to the baby boomers, it speaks volumes. This couple, a sailor and a nurse, who were standing next to each other at Times Square to hear whether WWII was finally over or not, received the news that the horrid War was over and he gave her a huge kiss of relief and happiness! I got tears and chills when I saw this statue because my parents were forced to leave their peaceful country duting the war to avoid being killed by the communists and came to America where I grew up. I never got to meet my grandparents, who stayed behind. I saw the Times magazine cover that had the couple on the front page as a child and never forgot it. It touched my daughter and myself so much that we went 3 times to see it on our vacationin Sarasota. And we will go again!! read more

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Gigantic sculpture by J. Seward Johnson yet easy to miss in one of the busiest intersections in SRQ. This 25 feet tall sculpture is located at the corner of the Trail and entrance to the Causeway Bridge next to Marina Jack. Celebrated by some and despised by others... controversial? What isn't now a days? Recently though, I saw an interview with both subjects filmed before the sailor's death and they were very positive about their joyful moment captured from the news of Japanese surrender ending the WWII. Who am I to rain on their parade? As there are fewer of the Greatest Generation and the younger generations voice admonition to their flavor before due diligence, I wonder how long this statue will last... Til then, see this statue in SRQ and it's identical twin in San Diego! read more

Unconditional Surrender - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Iconic and beautiful statue has been moved. New site is now Bayfront location away from the crowded US 41 area and traffic congestion. Now between O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill and Marina Jack closer to waterfront. Plan is a new Gulfstream traffic roundabout to help alleviate traffic backups all the way from Long Boat Key and St. Armands Circle. Grateful for the compromise over charges of "glorifying sexual assault". This symbol of WWII victory is important to many. read more

Unconditional Surrender - Old location was rubber necking traffic stopper - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

I have seen and visited this statue every time we visit Sarasota. The emotion that it gives you and the feeling of the end of WWII is amazing. It is so sad that in 2020 the #metwo movement is trying to pull this statue down. I understand that the woman getting a kiss by the sailor "did not give consent". It is sad that in today's political environment this statue may be removed. read more

This is a beautiful statue that is located in the heart of Downtown Sarasota along the water. It is apropo for the area as he is a sailor ie boats near by, and she is a nurse. Gives you pause of an era gone by but, romance lives on forever. It makes you happy when you see it and really upgrades the area as well. Made me happy to catch a shot on my iPhone while at a traffic light with my true love behind the wheel. What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love! Really nice look forward to my next trip to Sarasota. read more

Unconditional Surrender - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

This statue commemorates a significant moment in our nations history that sits in Sarasota Bayfront. The sculpture recreates a sailor at the end of World War II kissing a woman he grabbed in the Time Square upon news Japan had surrender . The sailors named was George Mendosa and who's picture was taken In Times Square dubbed the Kiss and came to be symbolize the end of the war . VJ stands for victory over Japan September 2,1945. Love this sculpture and all the men that fought for our freedom . Forever thankful for all out veterans. read more

Very cool! They moved since I was here last year or so. The statue and its little park are adjacent to a marina. Parking is easy, it's pleasant walking and benches around the statue, to sit and reflect... it's a pretty place and a respectful tribute to that time. read more

Unconditional Surrender - Unconditional Surrender statue in Sarasota - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Famous statue on the waterfront at the marina. Commemorates veterans and was designed by Johnson to copy the photograph of the sailor kissing the nurse in Times Square, NYC. This 26 foot massive sculpture is prominent along bayfront park and can't be missed in Sarasota. read more

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After Kayaking at the Mangrove Tunnel, I spotted this sculpture as I was leaving the town ! This of course is based off the historical photograph in New York City. I had to take a picture there !!!! It's located by the Bayfront in Sarasota. That area has a walking trail, as well as a marina with restaurants and beautiful boats to admire. read more

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I love seeing these statues every time I am in Sarasota. It's in the same location as marina jacks. Driving down this stretch of 41 always makes me reminisce of good ol lake shore drive in Chicago. No palm trees there but lots of water, and high rises. I love this icon statue and I was sad when some drunk fool drove into it and knocked it over. It was sad when it wasn't here for a short time. Like a half a year or year or something. As soon as it came back, I did make sure to come visit it. On tv, one day they highlighted this statue w the real individuals. It was pretty impressive to watch. read more

This statue is still marring the coastline of Sarasota, glorifying sexual assault. Here's the back story of this non-consensual kiss that is bizarrely still celebrated in SRQ. https://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp-stories/loc.natlib.afc2001001.42863/transcript?ID=sr0001 Greta's own words: "It wasn't my choice to be kissed. The guy just came over and grabbed!" "I did not see him approaching, and before I knew it, I was in this vice grip." "You don't forget this guy grabbing you." "That man was very strong. I wasn't kissing him. He was kissing me." Can you really be surprised by #MeToo revelations when this garbage is still standing? read more

This is just stunning. A lot of emotion. Something to be remembered. The whole area is a nice place to walk. read more

If you ever drove from business district of Sarasota to Siesta Keys, you've seen it. Standing tall, right before the Ringling Causeway on Hwy 41. It is massive, and in its rather kitschy way, impressive. There are few of those around - in San Diego, Pearl Harbor, Hamilton, France... Created by Seward Johnson, the very first one, styrofoam model was installed in Sarasota in 2005, replaced later by aluminum version - and replaced again, since it was damaged by car crash. Interesting fact - Johnson claimed that is not based on famous photograph by Alfred Eisenstaedt, but on it less-known twin, one by Victor Jorgensen - which helped to avoid copyright issues. It's kinda cool to walk around it at night, lighting is very dramatic. read more

Unconditional Surrender - That kiss, that kiss!... - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

This is another piece of history that evokes responses from those familiar with the circumstances, those who lived through the circumstances, those who have seen the iconic photograph, and those who think political correctness of today should be applied to rewrite history. Who are You? History is what it is and this is a beautiful remberance and tribute to that history. PS - See the one in San Diego California also read more

This sculpture marks and honors a very important moment in world history. The surrender of Japan and the end to one of the darkest moments in world history. Despite the kiss happening in New York City it is the job of the entire world to keep what it means alive. In that sense it belongs in Sarasota as much as Times Square. The is a true work of art and reminded me of what the United States, not just New York City, encountered and survived. Please Sarasota keep it up, NEVER take it down because it's important to remember our past. read more

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Cheesy and out of place. Why this was put in this location and named what it was is beyond me. Perhaps the retirees like it, maybe it makes them think of a golden day but for anyone under 80 I imagine thy, like me, find it pretty offensive read more

From the portrait, Kissing Soldier, the statue reminds us of the other time our country was attacked. Never forget! George was on leave and had a first date scheduled with his new brother-in-law's cousin. They decided on a movie when banging on the movie doors from the streets came with shouts of, The war is over! The Japanese surrendered! George and his new gal, Rita made their way to Times Square to hear more about the news. George had spent some hard time seeing fellow men wounded and was ready for the war to be over. When in Times Square, George spied what he thought was a nurse and recalled all the help the nurses gave and instinctively grabbed her and kissed her with Rita overlooking. The "nurse" was Greta, a dental hygienist that had also came to Times Square to hear the news. None of the parties knew about the picture taken until Life ran the photo again in 1980, 35 years later! So now you know the rest of the story! read more

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I never realized that this iconic statue was located right here in Sarasota until I happened to randomly drive by it while visiting the area for the weekend. The bf and I immediately pulled over so we could take a closer look and read more about it. The statue is located right by the marina, so there is plenty of parking. Not much to see here, but it's fun to read the story behind the statue and take a quick romantic picture for the couples who come here together! Being that it's a quick free and fun photo op, i give it 2 thumbs up, but it's not really anything to plan on spending a whole lot of time looking at. Just drive by and spend a minute "ooh"ing and "aah"ing if you're in the area. read more

It is a problem with location. It sticks out like a sore thumb. All the other art along the water's edge adds to its tranquility. That is until you get to this towering piece. It just looks like it belongs along I-4 (maybe next to the T-rex dinosaur). A few years ago, it was damaged and was removed for repairs. Once again, the water's edge was restored, albeit temporarily, to its beautiful former appearance. It confirmed how misplaced this statue is. read more

This is an absolute beautiful sculpture, such a highlight to the area!! It's a dangerous intersection so be careful when your trying to get a glimpse!! read more

Unconditional Surrender - Love this!! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

A great place for a picture to remember your visit to Sarasota. Enjoy the waterfront and many restaurants in downtown. A short walk can take you to Selby Garden. read more

What's not to love!? It's iconic and lovely! It's beautifully situated right in front of the Sarasota Marina.

liked it when it first arrived but it did create some controversy. The area along the bay front has long been utilized by artists (with approval and sponsorship) to display some noteworthy sculptures (all temporary) and some shake your head and roll your eyes contributions. Well, Unconditional Surrender created a storm: "purists" HATED it, and the rest of us went with the flow. And when it was going to become a permanent fixture, the "art police" went ballistic: cheap, tawdry, just too commercial. They lost and it is now a fixture on the bay front; and with a steady stream of tourists who love getting their pictures taken with it. My only complaint is where were those art lovers when the city approved the Vue: a monolith of a building that fills you with dread as you make the turn to take the bridge out to St. Armands Circle. I always have the feeling it's about to topple over and crush me. Anyway, be sure to stop and get that snapshot or selfie with Unconditional Surrender: a great memory to have of Sarasota! read more

Lovely statute located near the Marina in Sarasota. Talking to an older gentleman who said he came out everyday to remember.

The opposite of war is peace. What better way to present peace than with the picture of one of the key components of it, love. The moment captured in the photo is representative of the joy all America felt at that moment. Men, Women and children all rejoiced together that the time of horrible destruction, death and misery had passed. The couple in the picture are mutually expressing their joy and love of the moment as man and women have done throughout history. If you view the picture/statue as sexiest then I think you are not comprehending what is referenced by "Surrender.". It was the Japanese surrender referenced. In 45', a picture referencing a woman surrendering to a man would have been censored. You are applying a modern feminist view to the title of the original picture, and perhaps, have some issues with how men and women interacted then and now. read more