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Unconditional Surrender.

Embracing Peace Statue

Field review by the editors.

San Diego, California

If the photograph of raising the American flag on Iwo Jima is the quintessential World War II icon for triumph in a just war, then "Embracing Peace" (formerly "Unconditional Surrender") is the icon for the just rewards of victory. Who doesn't love that image of a sailor in Times Square on V-J (Victory over Japan) Day grabbing the nearest gal -- a nurse -- and trading anonymous spit?

Pee Wee, I'm not wearing any underwear.

The original image of the moment was captured by photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt on August 14, 1945. J. Seward Johnson is the sculptor of this version, though to avoid copyright he said he based it on a different photograph of the same kiss. In any event, old veterans love it, assuming the same pose with a loved one at its base, or just peeking up the nurse's skirt.

Local art critics were less pleased. The 25-ft. tall "monstrosity" has been criticized as a gaudy and lame imitation of the photo, and an eyesore for the community. The same reaction occurred to a lesser degree in Sarasota, where an identical copy of the statue stands.

Locals, however, love the statue. And right next to it is the Bob Hope memorial plaza, chock full of even more sappy sculptures to irk the critics.

Update: Glenn McDuffie, who claimed that he was the smooching sailor, died at age 86 on March 9, 2014. He spent the last several years of his life charging women $10 to take a picture of themselves kissing him on the cheek.

In the aftermath of 2019's MeToo movement (frowning on grabby, non-consensual kisses), "Unconditional Surrender" was quietly renamed "Embracing Peace" by the artist.

Also see: Unconditional Surrender in Sarasota

Embracing Peace Statue

Address:
Tuna Ln., San Diego, CA
Directions:
N. Harbor Drive to W. G St. to Tuna Lane. Next to the aircraft carrier.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

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In the region:
Auto Shop Yeti, Encinitas, CA - 25 mi.

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