You may have only just recently heard of Russia’s tribute to America’s struggle against terrorism, via a teardrop-shaped memorial that points toward the statue of liberty. The title of the artwork, crafted by Russian artist Zurab Tsereteli, is “To The Struggle Against World Terrorism.”
A forward making the rounds lately asks, “Now ask yourself: why was there never any press coverage of such a beautiful and generous gift?”
There was, however, plenty of press coverage, at the time. CNN had a live broadcast of the dedication ceremony, at which former-president Bill Clinton made the keynote. Vladimir Putin was on scene there himself for photos, which can be found at the 9-11 Memorial website. US country-music artist LeAnn Rimes was at the dedication and sang Amazing Grace.
Personally, I think the biggest reason is that it’s not even really that big of a story. There are in fact at least 43 structural monuments in commemoration or dedication to 9-11 as of this article’s writing, so I can imagine one out of 43 being pretty easy to forget about. It was also installed in September 2006, which as of this article’s writing is nearly ten years ago. Why would the “media” report on it 10 years after the fact? Millions of things have grasped the nation’s attention since then — how could you be expected to remember the dedication of a monument?
The structure itself is not even really all that inspiring. I mean, Lady Liberty makes sense at least. A person with a torch and tome is someone with which one can empathize. This monument, however, is more of a head-scratcher than inspiring.
Also, you must remember that the “media” was very likely inundated with other 9-11 tributes of their own, considering it was commemorated on the day of the “five years later” anniversary of the attacks. You know every individual city’s media outlet in the nation had their own tribute to broadcast. The Today Show on NBC had their own tribute at the time. Could it not have been through all of that you may have overlooked a single memorial dedication, of a sculpture that isn’t even really that popular based on looks alone?
For those concerned about “the media” failing to report on it:
Incidentally, there’s also a glass cube in Boston, near Logan International Airport from which two of the planes in the attacks left. Is the fact that you didn’t know about that also, something else you can blame “the media” for? How about you actually going out and learning about stuff you want to know about, instead of blaming those who spoon-feed you a very limited cross-section of information available within an hourish per day? “The media” isn’t organized since you choose it. If you were strapped to a chair and forced to watch Barney all day, sure, that’d be cause for concern. However, you’re reading this ON THE INTERNET. There are literally thousands of media options available, and just because one of perhaps 6 that still broadcast on the ancient television set fail to cover a single subject you personally find inspiring is indicative that you personally have the dumbest strategy ever for figuring out how to get news.
the ablestmage press 
It was reported on CNN, Fox News, NBC, CBS, ABC, The NY Times, AP, the New Yorker, and dozens of newspapers and magazines. Either this group doesn’t research before they try to foment false outrage, or they just don’t care about the truth.
I don’t recall ever hearing about this either. The only videos from news broadcasts that I could find were from OAN (American News Network) and AP (Associated Press). I went to CNN’s archives site and typed in “Teardrop Memorial” and got one response. It was a video about people being inducted into the Rock N Roll hall of fame. Went to Fox’s archive site and got none from Fox. If you have any links to these supposed broadcasts then please be so kind as to post them.
“Matthew 7:7-8: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth;”
I think the whole point of the story may have been lost on you. Do your own research. Find the videos yourself instead of waiting for someone to spoon feed them to you.
Bravo! On your last paragraph
If its all true, the writer makes many good points, but, I think the tone of the last four paragraphs is unnecessarily harsh. Many of us didn’t and don’t know there are over 40 monuments paying tribute to the losses the United States suffered on September 11, 2001. I’m a dedicated viewer of CNN, and I, somehow, missed the 2006 coverage of the gift of the Tear Drop Memorial. To those of us who lived through the cold war, a Russian tribute of any sort is welcome and the implied fellowship that comes with this one is deeply appreciated. I am glad to know, and now am prepared to issue thanks even if its in no greater form than that of visiting the monument, or saving a picture of it in my heart. So, thank you for this informative article, and please … be a tad more sympathetic with those of us who aren’t as well exposed to the nature of things as you seem to be.
Thank you! I was thinking the same thing, but could not have articulated it better!
I agree with you. I watch Fox News almost constantly, and never heard of this. I would have taken note, since it is almost in my backyard! There’s a breakdown somewhere!
Fox News from 2006! http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/07/28/bogus-names-feared-on-new-jersey-sept-11-monument.html
Thank you well said. Thank you Russia!
I am glad I came across your comment, with which I fully agree. I found the tone of the article quite unnecessarily negative and intollerant.
Thanks for info but the pseudo-intellectual rant was uncalled for.
I seen nothing wrong with the rant, and I found it offensive and uncalled for that the author made their personal views apparent by calling what I think is a very beautiful piece of art as ugly, I think it was a beautiful heartfelt gift from Russia
The author says ‘This monument, however, is more of a head-scratcher than inspiring.’. Really! I guess the author doesn’t know what a tear drop represents. I think it is very inspiring!
The shape doesn’t necessarily represent anything — it could be merely a raindrop of some kind, to the casual observer who had never seen it. The statue of liberty, with her book and torch, at least appears to be guarding something, or holding a light up in honor of something, but this thing could just represent any number of things unrelated to sadness. Since it has a chrome-like finish, perhaps it could be a tribute to metal laborers, or since the outer portion is brick-like, to bricklayers or the general construction industry combined. I’m not saying it’s ugly — I’m saying it’s unclear in its purpose to represent sorrow from the losses sustained by terror, to the casual observer. Also, I have an Arts degree, if that matters to you =P
I agree, I think it is beautiful. A heartfelt gift from a nation holding out a hand in peace.
You are ignorant.
The ablestmage should read up on the artist. He was moved by the grief of the nation due to its loss, and saw his gift to all in the tears of all that were touched by this heinous attack.
@theresa — none of that is in question.
Thank you to the people of Russia for this extraordinary gift.
First i hear about this here in Belgium, also about the many other monuments beside in NY.
I think it is offensive to constantly show us images of the “red flag” 9/11 demolitions and not give commemoration to a kind gesture from other countries. This should be talked about EVERYTIME the cameras show us the Statute of Liberty and the memorials for the WTC. Thanks Russia.
I was not aware of this particular monument until now and I consider myself a well read and informed person. Its significance to me is it came from the Russian govt. it may have been reported and I, along with many others, simply missed it. Perhaps it should have gotten more play at the time given who it was from.
I can’t believe that I, too, missed this special event if it was covered by all the networks. I appreciate the Russian gift as a goodwill effort! Thank you to the sculptor for the meaning he brought to our people.
I think this was and is a wonderful gesture on Russias part they didn’t have to do anything. That was a day I will ever forget I was in a trance like state asI sat in front of my tv and watched this day unfold and my heart ached for everyone there and all involved. I watched as those poor people ran for their lives and I could actually feel the dust in my nose and lungs that those poor souls were trying not to inhale. God Bless them all and God bless their family and friends. A very sad Canadian
They’re making a big deal about it now because it was from Russia and they’re supposed to be the bad guys. If they’re such bad guys why did they give us this gift? It’s being used to counter all of the anti-Russia sentiment being put out there right now.
Thanks.. I was wondering why this post I wrote a year ago was suddenly making the rounds again and drawing loads of hits out of the blue =)
Probably getting more Google attention because of the current drum beat to incite a war against Russia. The reasons are tenuous and the outrage probably unprovoked so examples such as this gift show that Russia probably isn’t the boogeyman they are trying to paint. At least it’s not nearly as clear as the narrative being forwarded.
Thank you Russia for your gift. I do appreciate this. I read about this just a few years ago and that you also put this structure up with your men. Would so much like to stand before this and check it out. May God Bless the USA. The media makes us all sound like an ungrateful nation. The heart of this nation is truly greatful.
Reblogged this on mystical lunarose.
I also think it is a beautiful and thoughtful gift. The writer of the article did not have to be so condescending. He crossed the line and was rude.
The remarks are not condescending, and there is no line to even cross. It’s ART.
Of course your remarks are “your opinion only” and don’t mean you are right on any point! Just your opinion!
Of course you are entitled to your opinion but it doesn’t mean anything to a lot of us. Just talk.
WOW! IT IS A BEAUTIFUL STRUCTURE!!! VERY INSPIRING AND ONE HELL OF A REMINDER!!!! ALWAYS REMEMBER NEVER FORGET!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very beautiful sculpture I hadn’t heard of it till now Thank You to the Russian people and government I will post on my page for others to see and comment if they like.
It looks like a black drop of oil, representing the greed for oil being the cause of 9 11
Not everyone watches CNN and rely on local news! This was not covered in any other news outlet! Hundreds of people I know was not aware of this priceless gift!!
Shame on the media! They only cover things that they want us to know!
This would of been something we would of liked to seen covered on local news, morning shows, dateline, 20/20, etc.
I know for a fact this is not being shared in our history books!! Educate America!!
I don’t even own a television. To suggest that it was never covered does not require having actually seen it — having been covered is discoverable without having any of the devices by which its coverage is well-documented.
Wow, way to write something off. This is a beautiful tribute and highly significant due to the elevating tensions between the US and Russia
It’s not written off.
What an angry, misleading load of dribble.
Which part did you understand to be angry? None of it is.
Yeah, every other comment is calling you out for you’re disrespectful remarks about a country you we’re indoctrinated to hate. Clearly everyone else just isn’t as smart as you think you are. In reality you just don’t get it because your head shoved so far up your ass that you could use your tonsils to floss.
This is the part when you write me off as a troll or a Russian bot instead of having a moment of self reflection to see if everyone might have a point.
I don’t know why the writer of this article would say that this monument doesn’t make sense. It’s a tear drop symbolizing crying for America’s loss on 9/11. Makes sense to me.
I did not hear about this at the time of the dedication. Why would the author of the article compare a gift of sympathy from an international power to a Boston Monument dedication designed by a local artist? I remember the Boston Cube being in the news.
Not an important story! Russia our enemy sends a very inspiring monument ( a teardrop in a statue that that represents buildings with cracks) is very moving. Did we send anything to Russia when the Belsan children were killed in a terroist attack. Let’s give credit where credit is due
If you are fortunate enough to visit the memorial as I have, you would have a better understanding of the sculptures design. The two towers on either side of the tear drop are supposed to represent the world trade center towers. When you stand in front the memorial and look toward NYC the monument was positioned perfectly facing the the place where the towers were before they collapsed.
It is unfortunate that this memorial never gets any attention because it is beautiful. It is also unfortunate that the park it is set in is off the beaten path and is surrounded by dilapidated, crumbling factories, and a dump for concrete. The memorial was given to us by the Russian people, however we are told by the biased media that the Russians are our enemy. Our children are not being taught about 9-11-2001 in our schools and how this event continues to shape our war on terrorism throughout the world.
We are not told by the ‘biased media’ that Russia is the enemy, because we choose our own media. The fault for the message that the media you watch says, is on you, because there are arguably hundreds if not thousands of news sources, that you personally choose from.
didn’t CNN a couple years ago have a lot of their senior staff fired for making up stories about Russia with no proof besides “anonymous sources” that could literally be the janitor. If you manage to gain a little sanity and break your mental conditioning you should watch this straight from the source https://youtu.be/jdP8TiKY8dE.
Beautiful, dramatic, emotive and inspired; mocking, condescending, arrogant and unworthy: through a master-stroke of creative genius, all attributions are attributable to one tribute.
What bullshit article! I never heard of it until today, so that’s just how reported this monument story is! You media types can conjure up the damnest excuses! Go to hell!
Author of this article is a real gem. Everything he writes about others is negative and dismissive, his “ART” degree is however a big deal worth mentioning endlessly.
Maybe this nice gift from the Russian people was reported on CNN etc; yet the fact hardly anyone knew about it tells what type of reporting there was. I think that’s disgraceful. Although I am not sure it is as disgraceful as this author. What I am sure is this: I hear one more time about his “ART” degree I will puke. Never seen anyone so vain and insecure.
The site literally is about my art projects, which is why there is so much of that here. That’s literally what the site is for. I do occasionally write other things, such as this article. The fact that you weren’t able to realize this, is more indicative of how badly you pay attention, which speaks to why you don’t recall hearing about the monument..
Obviously the person that was wrote this attical has never been to see the Memorial Teardrop in person. I have. And I will say it’s one of the most beautiful memorial I have seen. Plus the so called media wants Americans to always think badly about Russia. The Media will never say anything good about Russia.Just like President Trump, the Media Will never give any credit to him either.
So very sad the media is so ONE SIDED
The point was it was Russia our ‘Enemy’ you missed that aspect. With the reasoning the article suggested anything can be excused for not being reported because there are many things going on.
Hot Diggity dog!
Your words are sharp and hateful. Not everyone has access to the internet and the majority of people can’t afford to travel. Shame on you!
I agree Lela. He may say what he may but… I follow news and had heard nothing until a couple years ago. The article author made his personal feelings very obvious. Another biased
and shallow “newsman”.
I find this article very negative and uninspiring by the author. The donation by the Russians is a beautiful piece to look at and clearly stands for how the world feels about 9/11. I feel a teardrop is very appropriate and says volumes. Perhaps the author of the article needs to find another job instead of condemning people and accusing them of being lazy and not going out and scouting out every moment ever created. Unfortunately we do rely on the media especially those that are not able to get around!
Thank you Kathy. These comments make me proud to be an American. When no one buys this garbage that he’s trying to sell or she or whatever he wants to call himself now it’s of course just an art project. reminds me of when I was a child and I called someone a nasty name and I was overheard by my mother. I was always “just kidding” It was just an art project.
I remember the memorial dedication. It was a big deal despite those who wanted the U.S. and Russia to be at each other’s throats. One next good thing that comes from tragedy is the free pass to apologise or forgive without losing face. I’ve experienced healing a right in my family that no one thought would heal. With a tragedy like 9/11 I think we could have embraced or eastern brother whom we share similar demographics and ideals. We needed a regional power I’m that area because of the China threat. But we just kind of shrugged it off like you did. That’s a huge slap in the face to any world leader as especially since Putin is like a characture of our President when it comes to pride. Russia would be better our Ally and a very strong trade partner if China attacked and the world’s economy tanked overnight.As the saying goes, “The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.”- Douglas MacArthur
Open your eyes instead of pushing someone’s adgenda.
SGT. H. – U.S. Army (medically retired)
Actually, I I think it is a stunning tribute, that makes very much sense! It looks across the harbor to the Lady of Liberty and the empty spot left behind by the Twin Towers. It’s my understanding that the split sides represent the Twin Towers. The Tear Drop representing the tremendous loss along with the ever present terrorized world. It couldn’t make any greater, more subtle and elegant statement.
Maybe it wasn’t widely covered, but the press did cover it. Why didn’t readers widely share the information is a better question.
The question feeds on the well-earned track record since 2016 of Mockingbird-tainted media, of censoring Russia-friendly stories and tilting them. And some blatant lies. You’re already known liars.
I completely disagree with this writer.. it is inspiring and beautiful… so because he seems to be a person who thinks that TV is ancient, I guess he is one who does not watch it or reads newspapers…
Being older I watch the major channels here in new your and CNN is not on my must watch shows.
In either case, since this was built in NJ, I would have thought that ‘Our” major media would and should have covered it. QUESTION: We any of the other memorials given to us by a foreign country ESPECIALLY a country that we had a cold war with and the most powerful county other than the US!
All these factors make this more notable and news worthy that local memorials which should be covered by local major media.
This writer apparently does not see the importance of Russia giving us such a beautiful gift… I wonder if he or she even saw it it person!
The significance of Russia giving us a gift, sure, that’s great. However, every time I see it, it looks to me like bow-legged brick legs squeezing out a juicy one. Thanks, Russia. I have no desire to visit a polished chrome shart in person.