Before someone posted this on Facebook last month, I was unaware that it existed; and I’m fairly certain that I am not alone in having overlooked it until now.

The “Tear Drop” is a memorial to the September 11, 2001, terror attack on the twin towers of New York’s World Trade Center. Situated in Bayonne, New Jersey, on the opposite side of the Statue of Liberty from lower Manhattan, it never received the publicity of the memorial that now stands on the site of the original towers in New York City. But it should have.

Standing 100 feet tall, it is exquisite in its simplicity and artistry. The cracked facade represents a silhouette of the broken towers; the huge, graceful teardrop is self-explanatory. I have not had the privilege of seeing it in person; but merely looking at the photograph evokes the same sort of emotional response as, say, the wall of names at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is a tribute to thousands of people who should not have died as they did.

But what is most significant about the Tear Drop Memorial is its origin. It was not put there by the people of New Jersey, or New York, or by any American individual or entity. It was, in fact, a gift from the people of Russia, presented in 2006 in remembrance of all those who perished on 9-11.

And it stands as a tribute to the ability of people to come together in times of tragedy. As the world recoiled at the realization that the United States — often thought of as indestructible — had become the object of such a horrific act of terror, expressions of condolence and offers of assistance poured in from nearly every corner of the world.

Even Russia.

And for that — despite the political differences between our two governments — we Americans should express our appreciation.

I, for one, do.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
7/2/25