Final answer:
The passage's main claim is that the construction of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum was expensive and is reflective of America's complex reaction to the events of 9/11, encompassing economic, cultural, and symbolic considerations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main claim regarding the passage that addresses the construction of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is that it was a costly endeavor. The passage suggests that not only was there a financial cost to building the memorial, but there was also significant cultural and symbolic investment in representing the memory of the events of September 11, 2001, and what the Twin Towers signified. The Vietnam Memorial is used as a contrast to discuss different approaches to commemorating events and contributing to the nation-building process in the United States. Furthermore, economic concerns and cultural debates are highlighted when discussing the proposed Islamic community center near the site and how reactions to it reveal tensions in upholding American values of freedom. The passage also touches upon the transformative power of art and architecture and the importance of considering the broader context in which they are created and remembered.