Just a Few Days Left Before 
Kissing Statue’s Goodbye
(City of Royal Oak, Jan. 2, 2016)
Royal Oak, MI -After more than six months, Seward Johnson’s “Embracing Peace,” the massive interpretation of the famous kiss that marked the end of WWII, will be departing for warmer quarters in Key West, Fla. on Thursday, January 5, 2017.
The sculpture helped raise awareness and funds for The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial. The memorial is the state’s officially recognized tribute to its contributions during the second world war. It honors Michigan’s role both on the war front and the home front as the Arsenal of Democracy and the home of Rosie the Riveter.
The sculpture has provided a dramatic backdrop for the Woodward Dream Cruise, the Royal 
Oak Outdoor Art Fair, Paws in the Park and a celebration of the 71st anniversary of VJ Day and the end of the war. Most recently, Michigan residents gathered for a candle light ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. This is of course in addition to the likely thousands of photographs taken by visitors from across the state. With a few weeks to go before it leaves, it’s not too late for anyone who has not yet taken their picture with this memorable image to do so.
In the meantime, another Seward Johnson’s work, Can Do!, a life-sized rendition of Rosie the Riveter, is currently on display at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market. Check http://www.michiganww2memorial.org/ and Like Us on Facebook for details on other locations Can Do! will appear where you can take a photo with this symbol of Michigan’s contributions to WWII as well.
Debi Hollis, President of The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial remarked, “We were so proud to have this sculpture come to the site of The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial. We are grateful to the Seward 
Johnson Atelier for their partnership and belief in our project. Their support has been remarkable and we truly can’t thank them enough. This sculpture has truly broadened our exposure and support base and we are thrilled.”
Local funding has been generously provided by Jack and Annette Aronson of Clean Planet Foods.
“We’ve been proud supporters of The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial for the last three years,” Jack Aronson said. “Sponsoring the installation of this iconic statue near the site of the memorial was another great opportunity to help raise awareness and funds for the project.”
Embracing Peace by Seward Johnson © 2004, 2005 The Seward Johnson Atelier, Inc. sewardjohnsonatelier.org.
About The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial
The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial will provide a year-round multi-purpose destination that will tell Michigan’s unique story while encouraging visitors to both commemorate and celebrate their freedom. It will also serve as an inspiration for future generations, enlightening us all about these hallmarks of remarkable patriotism, selfless sacrifices and extraordinary devotion to liberty that helped save the world. It is the state’s officially recognized tribute to its contributions to WWII.
For additional information about the memorial or to donate, contact:
The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial
Debi Hollis, President
debi.hollis@michiganww2memorial.org
