East Meadow reacts to death of bin Laden

President Barack Obama’s Sunday night announcement of the death of Osama bin Laden, the al Qaeda leader and mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, set the stage for a Monday mixed with reflection, remembrance and celebration. 

The news of bin Laden’s death following a firefight with U.S. Navy Seals at a compound located in Pakistan came about four months before the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

It was the overriding topic on Monday across America and in communities like East Meadow. Much discussion was conducted on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. The news dominated the radio and television airwaves and generated feedback to newspapers and news websites. 

In East Meadow, home of Nassau County’s 9/11 Memorial in Eisenhower Park, residents trickled in and out of the lakeside landmark on Monday and Tuesday, many to pay tribute to lost loved ones whose names are inscribed on the walls of the monument. 

Kristina Hollywood, an East Meadow resident, expressed joy as soon as the news broke on Sunday night. Of the people she knew who perished on 9/11, she said the most difficult was the death of her cousin, Thomas Farino, an FDNY captain in Manhattan who responded to the attack on the World Trade Center. She said the death of bin Laden is a significant moment in American history, and should lead to a day to honor freedom and justice. 

“I’ve never been an advocate of 9/11 being made into a National Holiday, in fear that it would eventually become another ‘end of summer BBQ, beach and sale day,’” she said,. “However, this date, May 1, may be a great day to commemorate freedom and justice by making it into a national holiday.”

Howard Kirsh, an East Meadow resident, wrote in to the Herald shortly after the news hit late Sunday night (see his letter on page 28). For Kirsh, it was not only comforting to see United States troops successfully end bin Laden’s reign, but it was refreshing to see America’s reaction unfold on television. 

“I take solace in seeing scores of young Americans, most of whom were minors when the 9/11 attacks were perpetrated, demonstrating in victory at the White House on Sunday night,” Kirsh wrote. 

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola), who represents East Meadow in New York’s 4th Congressional District, noted that while this was an important moment for America, it is also crucial to stay vigilant. “This is monumental news for so many Long Islanders who lost loved ones on September 11 and responded so selflessly after that tragic day,” McCarthy said. “Nothing will ever erase their pain and suffering, and the daily threat of terrorism is still very real both at home and abroad, but Osama bin Laden’s death is a development that we can only hope will have a positive effect on the safety of our troops and citizens. Today is a good day, but we must continue to be vigilant.”

  What did the news of bin Laden’s mean to you? Post your thoughts and comments at LIHerald.com/eastmeadow or on the Herald Facebook page, at facebook.com/eastmeadowherald. Letters to the editor are also welcome. Send letters, no longer than 350 words long, to emeadoweditor@liherald.com or mail to 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530.