South Georgia current and veteran military personnel proclaimed a sense of pride as they talked about the death of Osama Bin Laden and the men and women who have served in the war on terrorism.
Of course the topic of conversation Monday at the Albany Marine Base, like all of South Georgia was the U.S. military's hunting down and killing Osama Bin Laden. Bringing the man responsible for the 9-11 attacks to justice has been the most important mission for almost a decade.
Osama Bin Laden was the reason Lt. Sarah Ray enlisted in the Marines. "I joined primarily because of what happened on 9-11. So for me this day not only just means closure for a lot of the citizens of the United States, but for me personally knowing how far we have come in these nine years," Ray said.
The U. S. military's taking out of the world's most notorious terrorist has filled military members and veterans with pride.
"Today is a great day to be an American. It's a great day to be affiliated with the United States Military Service, and it's certainly a great day to be a Marine," said MCLB Executive Officer Lt. Colonel Don Finn.
Retired Georgia Army National Guard Brigadier General John Heath served in the Iraq war, where he saw Americans fight and die to stop terrorists like Bin Laden.
"It's not the only reason we were there, but a big part of it. And anytime you feel like you have completed your mission or did some of the major goals of you nation, sorta helps with the closure for friends you lost over there and what happened at 9-11," Heath said.
Frank Mills was serving with the National Guard in Bosnia during 9-11, and says good riddance to Bin Laden. "We're just glad he's gone, and we can move on. Maybe some people can get some closure from the deaths and stuff. Hopefully it will heal a lot of wounds."
All these Marines and Veterans agree Bin Laden's death will not stop the war on terrorism, but it is a good victory.
Of course those Marines said they were proud it was Navy Seals used in the operation that resulted in finally getting enemy number one.
Military recruiters say they believe Bin Laden's death will help boost the morale of military and inspire more young people to enlist.
Osama Bin Laden was the reason Lt. Sarah Ray enlisted in the Marines.
Retired Georgia Army National Guard Brigadier General John Heath
Frank Mills was serving with the National Guard in Bosnia during 9-11
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