At the end of World War II, a sailor grabbed a nurse and kissed her just as the US celebrated Japan’s surrender. The sailor’s action has been the inspiration to the “Kiss” statue that has been dedicated to the Columbia District in Downtown San Diego. The statue brings back a lot of memories for many.
The welcoming ceremony of the statue was held last Saturday in Downtown San Diego along the waterfront right next to the USS Midway Museum. This was a moment many would not want to miss out on as there was several renewals of vows by couples who married during World War II as well as a presentation of cherry trees donated by the Japanese Friendship Garden Society of San Diego. The “Kiss” statue is made out of Bronze and stand 25 feet tall and is hard to miss should you be out for a stroll or boat ride in Downtown San Diego.
This statue replaced a former almost identical statue that was on loan. The loan statue is owned by the Santa Monica based non-profit Sculpture Foundation and has been sent to New Jersey for a facelift. This new “Kiss” statue in Downtown San Diego is here to stay and has been paid for by private donations. ')}