Satisfaction is Local Reaction to Bin Laden's Death

When President Obama announced Sunday night that terrorist leader Osama bin Laden was dead, local American Legion officer Danny McCollum thought first of the men at whose hands he died.

"I think our troops did a great job getting him. That's a very tough thing to do, to go into a compound where you don't know what to expect," said McCollum, a Vietnam veteran who is the American Legion's deputy district commander in Montgomery and Bucks counties. "I'm so proud of these guys."

McCollum, who attained the rank of sergeant, also is the former commander of Post 355 in Bala Cynwyd, at Manayunk and Conshohocken State roads. Bin Laden's death might help ease his victims' pain, McCollum said, but it won't solve everything in the fight against terrorism.

"I think we still have a lot of work to do," McCollum said. "If anything, I think you might see an escalation in the violence."

U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach, Lower Merion and Narberth's congressman, released a statement praising the military, former President George W. Bush and Obama.

“The success of this mission is a testament to the perseverance and professionalism of the courageous men and women serving and protecting our country in the military and intelligence operations. Every American should be proud of this accomplishment. It represents a significant victory in our constant battle against radical terrorists," said Gerlach, a Republican. "Bin Laden’s heinous acts forever altered the lives of many families here in the 6th District. We always will remember the tremendous sacrifices these families have made and eternally owe a debt of gratitude to their loved ones who selflessly answered the call of duty.”

Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, chairman of the Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released a statement about the 9/11 attacks and bin Laden. 

"U.S. forces have killed bin Laden and exacted justice for his terrible crimes, which killed thousands. I thank our troops, the intelligence community and diplomats who have worked today and since September 11th to bring Osama bin Laden to justice,” he said.

In his statement, Casey acknowledged how Pennsylvania felt the impact of al-Qaeda’s attack on 9/11 when Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville that day and stated that 68 troops from Pennsylvania have died in Afghanistan. 

"The sacrifice of those families who lost loved ones on September 11th and in the following years can never be made whole, but I hope that the death of bin Laden can help to bring some closure,” he said. "While today's development does not mean an end to terrorism or the need to remain relentlessly vigilant, the death of bin Laden has enormous significance in American and world history."