San Diego County Chronicles (32) – The Story Behind the "Kiss" Statue

My Little Happiness Diary (1186) Sunday, November 10, 2024 Every San Diegan knows the iconic "Unconditional Surrender" statue at Tuna Harbor Park (3 Tuna Ln) – the towering 25-foot, 15,000-pound depiction of a sailor kissing a nurse that has become a beloved landmark. The Statue's Journey 🖼️ Inspired by Alfred Eisenstaedt's famous 1945 Life magazine cover capturing V-J Day euphoria 🎨 Created by sculptor J. Seward Johnson in 2007 (originally titled Embracing Peace) ⚓ Location Drama: Temporarily removed for restoration before returning to its prime waterfront spot The Real People Behind the Kiss 👩⚕️ Greta Friedman (the nurse): Was spontaneously grabbed by the sailor in Times Square Later said: "It wasn't my choice to be kissed, but I didn't object – the war was over!" Passed away in 2016 at 92 💋 George Mendonsa (the sailor): Acted on liquid courage (admitted being tipsy) Kissed Greta while on a date with his future wife Rita – who joked: "That was his one good kiss!" Motivated by respect for nurses after witnessing their Pacific War heroism Died in 2019 at 95 Statue Trivia 🌎 Other Versions: Times Square replica (where the photo was taken) Pearl Harbor memorial edition Sarasota, FL's "Unconditional Surrender" #SanDiegoLandmarks #WW2History #IconicKiss