Locals Respond to Bin Laden's Death; State Dept. Issues Travel Warning

BROOMALL–After the shocking news of late Sunday evening, President Obama issued out an announcement to the American public stating, "the death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al-Qaida."

While local leaders like Congressman on May 1 marked "a great day in the history of our country."

Marple Newtown Patch reached out to a few locals in the area who shared their own opinions and reactions to bin Laden's death.

"Good riddance," said Gaetano Orlando, a service officer for the American Legion Marple Memorial Post 805, when he heard of the news. "This should've happened years ago. It's a shame that it's happened this way."

Although he's unsure of what this means for the American troops overseas, Orlando said he's hopeful that they'll come home.

"I'd like to see the troops come home but we'll have to see and leave it to the leaders," said Orlando.

Eileen Marx of Broomall also shared her faith in the leaders of the country for the nation's next steps in the war.

"What we need as citizens is to speak to our elected officials, who speak for us," said Marx, wife of , who recently returned from his second tour serving in the medical unit handling primary care and triage duties.

Though she admits his death won't be the end of terrorism, Marx expressed her pride for the military in the U.S. 0peration to defeat bin Laden.

"We're very proud with all that our military does and there's a renewed sense of pride," said Marx about bin Laden's death. "But we have to continue to focus on terrorism in the world. We won one death, but the death of one person isn't going to change the war in Afghanistan. But, at the same time, we want to recognize how well the military does their job. I'm proud of the courage and the sacrifice that occurs throughout the military every day."

Marx mentioned the death of bin Laden was also a reminder of the 9/11 attacks in 2001, which is when her husband joined the military. She shared her sympathy for the victims directly affected by the attacks.

"My husband joined the military after 9/11," said Marx. "Our family felt that we should do something for the lives lost and changed because of the 9/11 attacks. Those thoughts are still here with us today for those here and around the world of who suffered."

The result of bin Laden's death may renew a sense of pride in the community, which, according to Charles Hauber, owner of in Broomall, "couldn't hurt."

"The country needs a boost in morale," said Hauber. "This certainly couldn't hurt."

Although he hasn't seen a drastic increase in purchases for American flags, as he did 10 years ago when the 9/11 attacks happened or during the first Gulf War, Hauber said he anticipates "some increase in sales."

But Hauber said more than anything, he anticipates " a spark and some return of patriotism" back in the country.

A statement issued by the U.S. State Department late Sunday evening was released, alerting U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad "to the enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent counter-terrorism activity in Pakistan.

"Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations."

State Police-Media Barracks Troop K also released a statement on Monday afternoon to Patch regarding the current safety within the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

"While members of the Pennsylvania State Police share in the relief felt by all Americans since the capture and death of Osama Bin Laden, we remain vigilant in our efforts to rid the Commonwealth and our country of any credible threat to our freedom and our quality of life," stated the state police public information office.  "We are not aware of any additional threat to the Commonwealth at this time.  Working with our partners at the local, state and federal levels, we continue to ask everyone to be aware of their surroundings, and report any suspicious activity to our terrorism tip line at 888-292-1919."