9/11 Memorial from Russia in New Jersey

[Mariahamn]

I was surprised to discover that a 9/11 memorial had been erected in New Jersey, a place where the World Trade Center was not, and paid for in full by an apparently world-famous artist called Zurab Tsereteli. For some reason New York and at least one other city did not want the monument so Bayonne, New Jersey took up the offer for a free something from a famous and controversial Russian. The American media seems to have kept this memorial's installation quiet for the most part, as it was opened in 2006. Am I the only one that missed this? Nevertheless, the American media also seems to be incapable of agreeing on what should be basic facts about this monument, and despite their best efforts to hide the truth I have provided two links for those who would like to know some more.

http://www.bayonnelra.com/Memorial_Brochure.pdf
http://www.newyorker.com/talk/2007/06/2 ... k_finnegan

I mention it is controversial because the gift was received during a rough time for American and Russian relations. Not to mention, it was a gift from the Russians! Who knew they were capable of such emotion? Regardless, what are NSG's thoughts, if any? Is it a disservice to those who died on that day, as some would like to claim? Should we take gifts from foreign nations? Does it resemble a particular anatomical feature of females too much? Discuss!

[Cameroi]

interesting. but you know there was another 9/11 several decades before the one that happened in new york. if i'm not mistaken it was the aliende thing. at any rate democracy now had done a special on it that morning, before the thing with the planes and the buildings happened.

[Muravyets]

It's big.

I kind of like it. It prompts a sad feeling, but I think it's appropriate for a memorial. I think I like it better in a place where you can see the NY skyline behind it than I would if it was in Manhattan itself.

If I were the leaders of NYC, I would be very grateful to Russia and to this artist for this gift, which the more I think of it, I think is really quite moving. And I would be grateful to New Jersey for hosting it because I do think the skyline backdrop is proper.

As for who knew the Russians could be so emotional -- are you kidding? They are the absolute KINGS of SAAAHHFERING. They do nothing but drink, cry, get into violent fights, and then drink and cry some more.

[SaintB]

Actually I think its probably better placed there because it dominates the skyline right where towering structures like the World Trade Center's Towers.

[United Russian State]

Why are you so suprized? We all have feelings.

[Mariahamn]

interesting. but you know there was another 9/11 several decades before the one that happened in new york. if i'm not mistaken it was the aliende thing. at any rate democracy now had done a special on it that morning, before the thing with the planes and the buildings happened.

Yes, maybe, as the monument honors those who died in 1993 and 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. I don't know if that's the same instance that you are referring to.

It's big.

I kind of like it. It prompts a sad feeling, but I think it's appropriate for a memorial. I think I like it better in a place where you can see the NY skyline behind it than I would if it was in Manhattan itself.

If I were the leaders of NYC, I would be very grateful to Russia and to this artist for this gift, which the more I think of it, I think is really quite moving. And I would be grateful to New Jersey for hosting it because I do think the skyline backdrop is proper.

I rather like the way it looks and the location does work very well, since one is able to look through it at the skyline where the towers once stood. From what I have read, it dominates the skyline before you can see the Statue of Liberty when coming into New York by sea, which some seem to find as a problem. Both represent times that link America to the rest of the world and it does appear to be a very apparent location, as Saint B also points out.

As for who knew the Russians could be so emotional -- are you kidding? They are the absolute KINGS of SAAAHHFERING. They do nothing but drink, cry, get into violent fights, and then drink and cry some more.

Why are you so suprized? We all have feelings.

I meant no real harm and am not surprised that Russians are deeply empathetic. Instead, I was expressing the stereotypical Cold War American sentiment that carries on in varying degrees around the country thanks to the legacy of the Cold War, World War II, and such, possibly explaining why the national media has not bothered to report on this very touching gesture.

[Turkish Federation]

You Americans should consider yourselves lucky! You get gifts from your (ex-) enemies!

[CanuckHeaven]

I know this might be considered a gravedig, but I just receieved an email that details this generous gift from the Russian people, and especially the artist. And it is true!!

I am surprised that not only did the media completely ignore this amazing gesture of friendship, but the denizens of NSG have also appeared not to engage in the dialogue via this thread. Less than 1 page?

Is there a stigma for Americans regarding anything Russian or Communist?

[Conserative Morality]

[Sibirsky]

:eyebrow:

Why are you so suprized? We all have feelings.

Perhaps because of you? "America sucks, all Americans are stupid, NATO sucks, they supported Georgia, I hate all Americans...."

[Colonic Immigration]

:eyebrow:

Why are you so suprized? We all have feelings.

Perhaps because of you? "America sucks, all Americans are stupid, NATO sucks, they supported Georgia, I hate all Americans...."

To be fair - the Russkies aren't the only ones that think that.

[Virtud Tierra]

I know this might be considered a gravedig, but I just receieved an email that details this generous gift from the Russian people, and especially the artist. And it is true!!

I am surprised that not only did the media completely ignore this amazing gesture of friendship, but the denizens of NSG have also appeared not to engage in the dialogue via this thread. Less than 1 page?

Is there a stigma for Americans regarding anything Russian or Communist?

Is that a giant painting of Putin on that concrete wall to the right of the monument?

Anyways, I don't see whats so amazing about it, Russia sent all kinds of sympathies to the USA when 9-11 happened because they've had longstanding problems with terrorism themselves and 9-11 might have reminded a lot of Russians of the Russian Apartment Bombings or whatever.

Anyways, that artist likes to throw is name around and in a way, the thing could be considered a monument to the artist himself.

[Secristan]

Many New Jersey residents died in the attacks. It's fair.

[Nurmiland]

Have you ever heard the saying "It's the thought that counts"? I think Russia was being kind for sending the memorial. It wont be the only monument from another country. France sent the Statue of Liberty.

To all the Russians: I personally appreciate the thought behind it.

[CanuckHeaven]

Have you ever heard the saying "It's the thought that counts"? I think Russia was being kind for sending the memorial. It wont be the only monument from another country. France sent the Statue of Liberty.

To all the Russians: I personally appreciate the thought behind it.

I would have thought that there would have been more considerate posts such as yours, but it appears that there is a mental block against anything Russian?

[CanuckHeaven]

I know this might be considered a gravedig, but I just receieved an email that details this generous gift from the Russian people, and especially the artist. And it is true!!

I am surprised that not only did the media completely ignore this amazing gesture of friendship, but the denizens of NSG have also appeared not to engage in the dialogue via this thread. Less than 1 page?

Is there a stigma for Americans regarding anything Russian or Communist?

Is that a giant painting of Putin on that concrete wall to the right of the monument?

Yeah.....Putin is on one side and Bush is on the other. They both share the inherent problem of terrorism within their respective borders.

[Maurepas]

I like it, and wonder why New York didnt want it,

Certainly better than the eyesore we got down the street for Katrina....

Now, we need to get into a war that Russia doesnt want to join, and tell them they owe us somehow,

[JuNii]

I have a feeling that it wasn't put up in New York because plans for a memorial have already been decided upon.

we (Americans) didn't refuse the gift which means we do appreciate the gesture. however, several factors may have prevented the announcement of it's placement.

1) the site for the memorial was already dedicated to the winner of the voting, bidding, etc...
2) 2006. Did the Media really want to 'remind' the US citizens why we were in Afghanistan and, by proxy, Iraq? especially when they were mostly reporting how many US soldiers died there?

all in all, we may never know, but will always speculate as to the whys and wherefors... but for me.

Thanks USSR. your sentiment is appreciated and will be honored.

[Maurepas]

Thanks USSR. your sentiment is appreciated and will be honored.

The USSR collapsed more than a decade ago, this was a gift from the Russian Federation,

[JuNii]

Thanks USSR. your sentiment is appreciated and will be honored.

The USSR collapsed more than a decade ago, this was a gift from the Russian Federation,

I humbly stand corrected. Thanks Russia.

[Mad hatters in jeans]

this^

[Germova]

why on earth are people talking about 9/11

no one cares

further more

[Maurepas]

why on earth are people talking about 9/11

no one cares

further more

I do believe there are more people who care than you might think,

[Southern Yugoslavia]

why on earth are people talking about 9/11

no one cares

further more

Most of the United States still cares...

[Luporum]

That's a nice memorial. Certainly more symbolic and clever than the "Freedom Tower".