SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The replacement "kiss'' statue, the sculptured replica of an iconic photograph of a sailor and nurse smooching at the end of World War II, is scheduled to arrive at the San Diego waterfront Monday, three days earlier than first expected, according to the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum.
The statue replaces "Unconditional Surrender,'' the loaned art work that was removed last year.
The bronze permanent version is scheduled to arrive Monday around 7 a.m., Scott McGaugh of the museum said. Work crews plan to set it in place at some point during the morning to mark locations for anchor bolts.
The statue will then be removed so the site can be prepared. Beginning Tuesday, work will continue on putting in a pedestal, he said.
McGaugh said the 25-foot-tall sculpture, paid for with about $1 million in donations, should be completely installed by Valentine's Day.
A dedication ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 16 at 10 a.m.
Over the past week, the statue has been put on display in New Jersey and Alabama as it makes its way to San Diego, according to various news reports.
