“Unconditional Surrender” by the marina in Sarasota, Florida
Down by the marina in Sarasota, Florida, a 26-foot tall sailor connects with a pretty young lady. The statue, officially named “Unconditional Surrender,” has also been dubbed “The Big Smooch” (at least by roadsideamerica.com), and people either love it or hate it. Originally intended to help people forever connect to the memory of WWII, Jack Curran, a former signalman, put up $500,000 to help preserve the memory of those who served. Although many have called the statue “a big gaudy sideshow” (Source: Herald Tribune), a Florida contingency brought it back by popular demand in 2006 after it spent time in San Diego, California. It seems a lot of people connect with the world’s largest random embrace!
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Great spin on the theme and what a fun statue.
Thanks so much for the comment! We loved just happening upon this statue — if it was in a tour book we missed it. But it turns out it’s one of those quirky somethings you see and like instantly!!
Reblogged this on Derek Byrd.
Thanks for reblogging! Glad you liked this post!
Very clever interpretation. My first thought of the theme would have been something along technical lines. I fall into the group of people who love it. I can easily imagine the couple being my grandparents when my grandfather came back from Pearl Harbor.
I fall into the “love it” group also. Reminds me of that famous photo from the war era, but also I love because it’s huge, interesting, and iconic for the area. Glad you had those memories of your grandfather when you saw it.
Loved this interpretation of the theme. :) Great pic!
Thanks so much, Ami. We stumbled upon this statue while walking past the harbor. Should have read the tour books, I guess, to know what to expect. Love the composition and the size!!!
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