Community Corner

Pearl River Reacts: Osama Bin Laden Dead

Patch was out this morning getting reaction from people that live in work in Pearl River.

President Barack Obama has confirmed Sunday night that 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden has been killed

Late Sunday evening, Obama said that the leader of Al Qaeda, responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks, was killed during an operation he ordered inside Pakistan a week ago.

The people of Pearl River expressed their opinions on this news Monday morning.

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"For this country, it is a wonderful event," said Mel Liebmann, a World War II veteran and owner of Mel's Army-Navy Center in Pearl River. "You hate to celebrate anybody’s death. I don’t like to see people dancing in the streets celebrating someone’s death. But in this case, I think it is warranted. I think he caused enough problems in this world and this is justified."

Philip Stehly of Pearl River is a member of the West Point Band, an active duty unit stationed at the United States Military Academy. He is a Staff Sergeant and a member of the West Point staff.

Find out what's happening in Pearl Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"My initial reaction was how great it was for America," Stehly said. "We've been through a lot of tough times since 9/11, so it was nice having some good news. The patriotism--from social media, to Times Square, to the lawn of the White House--was amazing. The way the country immediately came together reminded me a lot of 9/11 nearly ten years ago.

"In regards to my being in the military, I was reminded what a privilege it is to serve the U.S. and our nation's military academy. Terrorism is always a concern, but I am confident our leaders have the situation under control."

Reactions to the potential for a greater threat of terrorist retaliation were mixed. Many expressed confidence that the death of bin Laden will hamper terrorist efforts, while others thought the threat was as great if not moreso than ever.

“We’ve been through a lot of wars, problems, danger for our country," Liebmann said. "I think this eliminates a big part of our concern for the terrorists. He was a great leader for the Al Quaeda. Certainly if he’s gone, this takes the steam out of their operation."

"I don't think it will change the situation in Afghanistan," said George Ochman, a 63-year-old Orangeburg resident whose son Tom is stationed in Afghantistan with the 10th Mountain Division. "I don't think our soldiers will be coming home, and neither do my neightbors.
"But it absolutely provides a morale boost to the troops and everyone at home, too."

Ochman said that he spoke to his son yesterday, but that was before the news broke.

"I am worried there might be some sort of retailiation," Ochman said.

Many members of the Hudson Valley community were killed during the attacks. We will be looking to get reaction from their families this week, as well as from local military families and anyone eager to share their views.

How do you feel about the death of the world's "most wanted" terrorist? Tell us in the comment box below.


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