Russian Artist Creates Sept. 11 Memorial

Despite a history of competition and sometimes tense relations, Russia and the United States do share a deep-seated respect for each other. That is what is evident from the installation of a little-known monument that a Russian artist erected in New Jersey to honor the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Following the 2001 attacks, renowned Russian artist Zurab Tsereteli decided to create the monument, having been moved by the outpouring of grief he observed in Moscow. He visited the site of the attack and the surrounding areas and ultimately chose Bayonne, New Jersey – across the river from the attack site as well as the Statue of Liberty – as the location for the monument. Known officially as the “Monument to the Struggle Against World Terrorism,” the 100-foot high statue depicts a 40-foot steel tear dropping in the middle of a jagged crevice. The base of the monument also includes the names of those who died in the attacks etched in granite. Russian President Vladimir Putin was present for the dedication of the monument in 2006, declaring it “a gift from the Russian people.” More photos of the monument during its construction as well as after its completion are available on the monument’s Web site .

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