BIN LADEN CHAPTER CLOSED

Yesterday was one of those days that millions will remember exactly where they were and what they were doing for the rest of their lives when they heard that Osama Bin Laden was killed. This event is identical to my memories of the day when Franklin D. Roosevelt died, World War II ended, John F. Kennedy was killed, and of course the attacks on America on September 11, 2001 which were led and directed by Osama Bin Laden.

Since September 11, 2001 thousands of American lives have been lost in the fight to eliminate the forces under the leadership of Osama Bin Laden who was without any question one of the most evil individuals in the history of mankind. He has met his just reward with his execution at the hands of brave American warriors. Like millions around the world your Commander and my wife were up into the early morning hours watching the dramatic television coverage.

The death of Bin Laden does not totally close the many chapters of death and destruction that his organization has spread across the entire world, but it does eliminate the top of its chain of command. We must remain vigilant and be prepared for reactive attacks led by Bin Laden’s blinded followers because they remain an extremely serious threat. The world is safer today, but the dangers to the entire world have not been eliminated. America and the free world dare not drop its guard at this critical time.

Your Commander salutes our brave fighting men and women for their continued service in the name of what is good and appropriate. Many have given their lives for this day to arrive and they must not be forgotten. It is appropriate to be pleased with the passing of Bin Laden, but immature totally out-of-control celebrations, such as took place outside the White House and college campuses were inappropriate, and no more just than those in the Middle East who celebrated when the World Trade Center complex fell.

There is a very good article that appeared on Time.com this morning and I draw your attention to the link:

http://battleland.blogs.time.com/2011/05/02/bin-laden-how-they-got-him-and-what-happens-to-al-qaeda-now/?xid=newsletter-daily

As the article accurately states, “Bin Laden’s death only excises a tumor. The cancer that he represented remains in wide swaths of the world where local populations have been forced to have-not-dom while their leaders have lived well. Whether his demise marks the end of a particularly virulent strain, or will trigger a violent recurrence, remains unknown.”

Both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama are to be saluted for continuing the fight to protect our country, but we must keep a keen eye ever vigilant especially as the forces of evil still exist in this troubled but wonderful world we are blessed to share.

COMMANDER GRANGER