Posted by Ellen Hoenig Carlson on Sat, Jul 04, 2009 @ 09:01 AM
Happy Fourth of July from Sarasota, Florida...Home of one of the greatest American iconic images ever!
"Unconditional Surrender," a 25-foot, 6,000 pound statue created by world-renowned artist J. Seward Johnson, commemorates perhaps the most famous image of World War II victory--"Unconditional Surrender" is a three-dimensional interpretation of a photo taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt of a Sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square, New York City on Aug. 14, 1945, following the announcement of V-J Day.
"This statue brings back so many memories of peace, love and happiness," said Edith Shain, the nurse memorialized in Eisenstaedt's photo. "There is so much romance in the statue; it gives such a feeling of hope to all who look at it."
"During the moment of the kiss I don't remember much, it happened so fast and it happened at the perfect time. I didn't even look at the Sailor who was kissing me," Shain continued. "I closed my eyes and enjoyed the moment like any woman would have done."
To many this sculpture represents hope and freedom...And is a great example of the power of icons for branding and marketing elegance...
It's a great addition to the Sarasota landscape.
Enjoy your July 4th! ...And don't forget to give someone a KISS!