The spontaneous surrender of Japan ended World War II on August 14, 1945, and brought scenes of profound joy, including a United States sailor and a nurse embracing in Times Square in New York City amid celebrating crowds. That merriment expressed the pride and relief of the military and the home front after eleven years of unemployment and the hardships of the Great Depression, four years of horrific war, the loss of loved ones, rationing of food and gasoline, and war production duties borne at home. This generation came to be called the “Greatest Generation,” a title presented as well deserved, and this celebrated national moment inspired American sculptor J. Seward Johnson to create “Unconditional Surrender.” After several years of intensive efforts, World War II veteran Jack Curren, with support from Sarasota County veterans organizations, bought the sculpture and donated it to the City of Sarasota as a reminder of the “Greatest Generation” and of the unity shown on August 14, 1945.