‘Justice done’ in bin Laden’s death: officials

Timothy Meyer

“Justice has been done” was the phrase both local Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy and Congressman Gary Ackerman shared in statements at the news of Osama bin Laden death at the hands of U.S. forces earlier this week and a sentiment echoed by Nassau County officials and 9/11 families.

“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 in a statement Monday. “This is not closure though… Every holiday and every birthday reminds family that hey have lost a love one. Hopefully this will be a little bit of comfort to Long Islanders, that we never took our eye off the ball, until we got bin Laden. Today is a good day, but we must continue to be vigilant.”

Ackerman expressed similar sentiments in a statement released Monday.

“After so many years of effort, the killing of Osama bin Laden represents a huge victory for the United States,” Ackerman said. “It’s proof that no matter how hard they try, our foes cannot hide from us. Although this is a gratifying occasion, and a crucial psychological boost for all Americans, we must remember that our enemies remain determined to attack us, despite this powerful and demoralizing blow.”

President Barack Obama announced at a White House briefing late Sunday night, that bin Laden had been killed in joint effort by American military and CIA operatives.

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano said the death of Osama bin Laden is a monumental step toward bringing a sense of justice to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on our nation, in a statement Monday.

I extend my deepest appreciation to our military and intelligence personnel who are primarily responsible for bringing this terrorist to justice,” Mangano said. “Even with his passing it is important that we all remain vigilant in the war on terror both here and abroad.”

Lee Ielpi, a Great Neck resident who founded the September 11th Families’ Association and co-founded the Tribute WTC Visitor Center, said in a statement he was “overwhelmed with emotion. It brings closure to a chapter. Thank you to the Navy SEALS who put their lives in jeopardy and all the military who serve to protect our freedoms at home and aboard. The dedication of our country and our allies to pursue Osama bin Laden and his followers after so many years shows the resolve to protect the free world.”

Ielpi’s son, Jon, was a New York City firefighter who perished in the bombing and collapse of the World Trade Center.

Lee Ielpi, himself a retired NYC firefighter, was down in the rubble for days to help recover his son and others and now suffers the World Trade Center disease that has afflicted and claimed the lives of so many of those first responders.

As part of a previously planned Nassau County held a candlelight vigil at Eisenhower Park on Monday for those who sought to honor the victims of the September 11 terrorists attacks on America. Nassau County donated candles to the event for residents who attended.

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