Nearly ten years after the jarring September 11 attack, late Sunday, May 1st, President Obama declared that Osama bin Laden, the alleged organizer behind the September 11 attacks, had been shot and killed in a US operation. Such a statement flooded the minds of Americans, as they reflected upon the past ten years that often were infused with national fear, imposing terrorist threats, and looming tragedy. For some, bin Laden’s death was a cause for rejoice, as it instilled a strong sense of nationalism within them. Others saw the death of such a prominent infidel as a time for reflection, seeing the assassination as a precursor to the end of a dark segment of American history.

During Obama’s 12:30 am broadcasted speech, it was revealed that Osama bin Laden had been killed in a covert American military operation. Such a military offensive was both secret and advanced in nature; information was released that state of the art radar evading helicopters were used to infiltrate bin Laden’s Abbottabad, Pakistan compound. The assault, as reported by CIA director Leon E. Panetta, lasted approximately 40 minutes, and by the end of the offensive America’s most wanted man was left dead.

"I couldn’t believe it when I heard Osama bin Laden had died," remarks Northwest High School Senior Kevin Yi, "It’s like the notion of him was always there in the back of our minds, but we didn’t really think about him until he died." Such sentiments were commonly reflected among both high school students and the greater American public, as bin Laden’s death was and continues to be startling news, as the media coverage over Bin Laden had significantly abated in recent years. Yet, despite a lack of coverage, Bin Laden remained as the consistent symbol of terrorism, a physical representation of the potential danger facing America. Due to this, many Americans, young and old alike, were jubilant upon the announcement of bin Laden’s death.

"It was kind of startling to hear the taunts and the exclamations of pride from my fellow friends," states New York University sophomore Meena Miller, "People were running through the New York streets screaming ‘[Expletive] yeah, America.’ I understand that this indeed was a victory for the American people, but to capitalize upon one’s death to such an extent to me, is vulgar." Miller is not alone in this assertion, as many feel uncomfortable over the national jubilance at bin Laden’s death. Yet, it is clear that this unexpected event has resulted in a range of reactions from the American public, as many truly do not know how to feel.

"This closes a sad and tragic chapter in our country and our world’s history," stated Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley in a press release, "This should be a [time] of reflection and prayer for a more peaceful future." Many see bin Laden’s death as just this-a time to look forward to the future. However, others seem to have taken the nationalistic sentiment associated with the death of bin Laden to a new level.

"It’s a sensitive issue," remarks NWHS senior Saurabh Singh, "Some people are taking things too far, like vandalizing mosques and saying there will be an end to Islam." Fortunately, actions such as these are few and far between. Most are just left wondering what bin Laden’s death means, and what the future will hold.

"For the world, the death of bin Laden provides important momentum for the United States and a brake on the prestige of al Qaeda….bin Laden’s capture likewise boosts confidence in the military," states Jonathan Chait of the New Republic. Despite this, he adds, "The political ramification [are] minimal to nonexistent."

One thing that bin Laden’s death is sure to bring is a spike in Obama’s ratings. "It could not have come at a more convenient time for President Obama," Miller says, "Personally, I expect him to be reelected into office."

Regardless of any outcome, it is clear that a certain point of resolution has been achieved by the American people, when considering the acts of terrorism that transpired on 9/11. Now is a time to look toward a better future, and wait in anticipation for the much-needed end to the war on terror.