Cranberry Reacts to News, Details of Osama bin Laden's Death

 Al Barna, commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Cranberry Township, said he giggled like a kid on Christmas morning when he unfolded his newspaper today.

On the front page was the news that Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, was dead.

“It’s just like Santa Claus is coming to town,” he said with a laugh.

In a late last night, President Barack Obama announced that bin Laden was shot dead at his Pakistan compound during a daring 40-minute operation by elite American forces. The news triggered celebrations across the country, including New York City, where happy residents and tourists -- including Moon Patcheditor Jenna Staul --

While a photo of bin Laden’s body has not been released, White House officials say DNA testing confirms that bin Laden was killed during the raid.

In accordance with a Muslim tradition that requires burial 24 hours after death, bin Laden’s body was quickly buried at sea from a U.S. Navy vessel.

“I hope this at least puts a good dent in al-Qaida,” Barna said.

Barna is a Korean War veteran and the father of a son who followed him into the military and served in Iraq. While father and son have not talked about last night’s big news, Barna was confident his son would share his reaction to bin Laden’s death.

Cranberry Supervisor Dave Root also was pleased by the news. A retired U.S. Navy fighter pilot, Root was not surprised to learn Navy SEALs carried out the military operation.

“It doesn’t shock me,” he said. “Navy SEALs are a pretty elite force. The ones I worked with were pretty cutting-edge.”

Root recalled that he was in his last week as commanding officer of the Carnegie Mellon Naval Reserve Officer Training Unit before retirement when the 2001 terrorist attacks took place. He was in fact turning over his office to his replacement when someone told him to turn on the television.

“I remember going in and seeing video of the first tower and thinking, why would someone fly into a tower?” he said.

Root said he hoped bin Laden’s death would bring some closure to those who lost loved ones in the terrorist attacks.

“This is a good thing,” he said. “I think people will be somewhat relieved and happy. I think some people will wonder why it has taken so long.”

Cranberry Patch reader Joanne Casale, a New York City native, shared on the site’s Facebook page that friends from her hometown had mixed reactions to bin Laden’s death.

“I am from NYC and I know a fair share of families who lost someone,” she said. “I talked to a few friends last night, and some are delighted and others felt that it was hollow justice and that they wanted to see him captured and held on trial."

Root warned that he didn't think the world hadseen the last of al-Qaida.

Likewise, U.S. officials have warned of potential retaliation against Americans for bin Laden’s death. Earlier today, the U.S. Department of State also  to the potential of anti-American violence.

“I think it would be a big mistake to think that al-Qaida is defeated at this point,” Root said. “It may hurt them monetarily, but they’re still very much a threat.”

George O’Brien, a Korean War veteran and former commander of the Cranberry Township VFW, agreed.

“I’m glad they got him,” he said. “I think there’s going to be retaliation, but there was retaliation before we got him.”

In a statement, U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, D-McCandless, warned that Americans must remain vigilant in the fight against terrorism.

"America's relentless pursuit of Osama bin Laden has come to a successful conclusion, but we must remain vigilant and continue the fight against terrorist extremists, wherever it leads," the statement from Altmire's office read. "At this moment of great military success and achievement, we will continue our equally important mission of protecting our citizens at home."

Cranberry Township firefighter Jeff Berneburg, who recently returned from a trip to New York City with a piece of steel that fell from the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks, also said he was happy to hear the news of bin Laden’s death.

The fire company has plans to turn the 832-pound piece of steel i at the fire station to remember those who lost their lives on 9/11, in particular the first responders who rushed into the Twin Towers before they collapsed.

The volunteers hope to have the project finished before Sept. 11 this year, for the 10-year anniversary of the attacks. Berneburg said the timing of bin Laden’s death may give special meaning to others as well.

“Hopefully it brings some resolution and comfort to those folks who were directly involved and definitely for the first responders,” he said.