The "Tear Drop" monument, officially named "To the Struggle Against World Terrorism," is a poignant memorial gifted by Russia to the United States as a tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Unveiled on September 11, 2006, the memorial is located at the Bayonne Peninsula in New Jersey, overlooking the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan, where the Twin Towers once stood.
Designed by Russian artist Zurab Tsereteli, the monument stands at 100 feet tall and features a 40-foot tear-shaped nickel drop hanging within a jagged bronze tower split down the middle, representing a torn curtain. The memorial's design symbolizes the tear shed for the victims and serves as a reminder of the vulnerability and resilience of human life. It is positioned on a marble base, on which the names of every victim of the 2001 attacks and the 1993 bombing are inscribed.
The "Tear Drop" monument has garnered mixed reactions regarding its aesthetic and symbolism, yet it stands as a significant token of solidarity and shared mourning, underscoring the grief and irrevocable loss that terrorism brings. The choice to place the monument in Bayonne provides viewers with a space for reflection, complemented by the panoramic backdrop of New York City.
The memorial extends a bridge of empathy and support from Russia to the U.S., reinforcing the global nature of the fight against terrorism. It serves as a reminder of the international impact of 9/11 and the universal cry against acts of terror. Despite its varied reception, the "Tear Drop" remains a poignant part of the healing and remembering process, echoing the ongoing struggle against global terrorism and the importance of global unity and peace.
