Sarasota's "Kissing Statue"

The Unconditional Surrender 

If you've ever spent any length of time in Sarasota, you've most likely encountered the Unconditional Surrender statue on the Sarasota Bayfront.  If you have not yet come across this statue, it's definitely worth your time and energy to make a trip to Bayfront Park. Not only will you get the opportunity to have yourself photographed in front of this unusual landmark in downtown Sarasota, but you can also walk the length of the marina.

But for all the attention the statue receives, the meaning and history behind it can get lost.  So the experts at Best Western Siesta Key though it would be a good idea to help you know what you are looking at when you visit their "Kissing Statue".

What Is The Kissing Statue?

Unconditional Surrender, otherwise known as the "Kissing Statue" is a greater-than-life size version of a famous photograph snapped at the end of World War II.  The original photograph, entitled "V-J Day in Times Square" by Alfred Eisenstaedt captures the celebratory essence of sailors, nurses and other military returning home from home after WWII ended. Originally printed in Life Magazine in 1945, this image was the cause of some mystery for decades as no one, including the photographer, knew the names of the couple in the photograph.  Eventually, it became known that George Medonza caught up up in the spirit of the celebration that day, had grabbed Greta Zimmer Friedman a woman he didn't know who was walking past him at the time and kissed her before moving on in the crowd.  Medonza passed away in February of 2019 at the age of 95.  

In my research of this statue I have found George's last name spelled 2 different ways .. Mendonsa as the signature reads on a b/w photo I found online and Medonza in this follow-up research article.  As to the correct spelling of the name, I am not sure.

Where Did the Statue Come From?

Originally part of a series by sculptor, Seward Johnson this statue has several versions located around the world including Hamilton, New Jersey; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and Normandy, France.  Some controversy has surroundeed Johnson's choice of subject stating there are copyright infringements, but Johnson insists his statues are renderings of a similar but lesser-known photograph by Victor Jorgensen which is still public domain. 

Why Is the Statue in Sarasota?

The Unconditional Surrender state pays tribute to the many WWII veterans who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.  Installations around the country and the world allow people everywheere to recapture a bit of history and share in the victory experienced everywhere when the war ended.  While there has been some controversy from the art community abuot the contribution of this statue to Sarasota's community, it has quickly become a landmark unlike any other in the area, drawing dozens of people each day to visit, take photographs and revel in a bit of history.  

The next time you're in the Sarasota area, be sure to stop by and take in this unique piece of culture and history.  Share its story with those around you and remember the celebratory passion experienced by those in Times Square that day in 1945.

The statue, which first came to Sarasota as a temporary exhibit in 2005 was bought by Jack Curran and donated to the city in his wife's memory.  It has been moved to create room for a new roundabout on US 41 and Gulfstream Avenue.  The statue is now located between O'Leary's Tiki Bar and Grill and Marina Jack. 

Pat Locke