Screenshot from NPR.org
The death of Osama bin Laden brings a little bit of closure to me, though I eagerly look to the coming days, weeks, and months as the country moves forward from this chapter in history. I can’t explain this strange mixed feelings of relief, sadness, uncertainty, all wrapped up in confusion and questions. Our world after 9/11 has shifted so much, it feels like nothing has really changed or that nothing really will. So many facets of our society has been damaged by the tragedy, and we’ve only been trying to mend, however flawlessly or foolishly, for a decade. I join millions of Americans in asking what will happen next as we move on to the next chapter of post-9/11 America. I’d be naive to think that this is the end of our wars in the Middle East, though I silently hope it would.
For all the service members past and present, at home and abroad, I can only offer my sincere gratitude in your continuing efforts and sacrifice. The war may not be over, but those of us here, sitting comfortably at home, watching historic moments unfold through a screen when you face them yourself, are truly honored by your service. To those who lost family members on 9/11 and in the wars, I echo New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s sentiments:
“The killing of Osama bin Laden does not lessen the suffering that New Yorkers and Americans experienced at his hands, but it is a critically important victory for our nation—and a tribute to the millions of men and women in our armed forces and elsewhere who have fought so hard for our nation. … New Yorkers have waited nearly 10 years for this news. It is my hope that it will bring some closure and comfort to all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001.”
I also hope we don’t forget the rest of the world, especially those in countries like Egypt, Libya, Syria, Yemen and Tunisia, who are still under turmoil and much uncertainty.
