Russia Gave The US a 9/11 Memorial-Truth!

Russia Gave The U.S. a 9/11 Memorial-Truth!

Summary of the eRumor:
A forwarded email with photos of a 100 foot structure and says that it is a gift to the U.S. from the people of Russia. The email says that this is called "The Teardrop" and serves as a memorial to the lives lost in the World Trade Center attack of September 11th. The email goes on to ask why there was no press coverage.

The Truth:
The "Teardrop" memorial is real and is a 100-foot September 11th sculpture that was donated by the Russian people and is located in New Jersey.

The memorial was dedicated on September 11, 2006 in a ceremony attended by former President Bill Clinton. Also in attendance were Michael Chertoff, the Bush Adminstration Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and family members of World Trade Center victims. Recording artist Leann Rimes sang the National Anthem and Amazing Grace at the dedication ceremony.

Click for Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority site.

Contrary to the claim of the eRumor, the announcement of the intended memorial as well as its dedication did receive nationwide news coverage including a visit to New Jersey on September 15, 2005, by Russian president Vladimir Putin for the groundbreaking ceremony.

updated 03/15/09

A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet:

Why is it we never heard about this? How is it that Russia can do it but the US hasn’t been able to create an appropriate monument?

Russian gift to the US I had never heard of this before receiving it. Why didn't the press report it?

This It is the "TEAR DROP" made and installed by the Russians to honor those who died in 9 11 and a statement against terrorism. It is very impressive.. The tear drop is lined up with the Statue of Liberty...

..it is an impressive memorial and statement against terrorism. Gift from the people of Russia...

"Monument to the struggle against world terrorism, artist Zurab Tesereteii"

The walkway is made of stones.

Names of the persons killed on 9 11 are inscribed on the base.

The base like the Vietnam Memorial wall. It was a cold and windy day but well worth the drive to see.

It is down in the shipping yards across from "The Lady".