Q: What is the official date of the Ground Zero dedication in New York City?
Alonza Sanders, Austell
A: The 9/11 Memorial will be dedicated on Sept. 11, 2011, on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, according to www.911memorial.org, the official website. There will be a ceremony for victims families that day and it will be open to the public on Sept. 12. Visitors must reserve passes in advance.
Q: What was Thomas Jefferson’s financial status at his death?
Vern Kyker, Lilburn
A: Thomas Jefferson was in debt throughout much of his life and when he died, according to many sources, including www.monticello.org, the official website of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, and author Alan Pell Crawford, who wrote "Twilight at Monticello, The Final Years of Thomas Jefferson." The website wrote that Jefferson's debt, "… eventually grew so ponderous that his family was forced to sell much of his property, including Monticello, after Jefferson's death." Monticello.org reports that Jefferson's debts at his death on July 4, 1826, amounted to $107,000, which the website said "would probably be somewhere between $1 and $2 million" today. Crawford wrote that Jefferson kept meticulous financial records, which show that he loved to spend other people's money, buying guitars and silk dresses for his grandchildren while turning his back on his creditors.
Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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