Unconditional Surrender has a savior

An 88-year-old Navy veteran is ready to buy the most-discussed artwork in Sarasota and donate it to the city.

There is a condition to the possible purchase of Unconditional Surrender — the bayfront sculpture must remain a bayfront sculpture.

Dr. Rich Swier, president of the Sarasota County Veterans Commission, is helping facilitate the sale, because the donor wishes to remain anonymous.

The sculpture is modeled after the famous Life magazine photo of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square on V-J Day.

“The donor is very passionate about the monument,” said Swier. “He said it represents the most joyous moment of his life.”

The unidentified veteran is a widower and has no children. Swier said the man has no one to whom he can will his money.

For more on this story, read the June 25 issue of The Sarasota Observer.