Updated: Canton Reflects on Capture of bin Laden, 9/11

Canton residents and officials are reacting to the capture and death of today and reflecting back on the 9/11 attacks. After President Barack Obama announced the capture and killing of the mastermind of the September 11 attacks, folks across the nation reacted.

Here in Canton, there are mixed views on the capture.

said he hopes the families of all the 9/11 victims can feel a sense of justice.

"I hope it brings some comfort to the family of Michael Uliano of Canton and Michael Rothberg of Sharon who were killed on 9/11," Joyce told Patch in an interview today. "I hope it brings some sense of justice to those families."

Joyce said the sad reality is "nothing can bring these men back to life, nor all the others killed in the terrorist acts that this barbarian masterminded."

The senator stated that he is "glad we captured (Osama bin Laden) but frankly I wish we captured him a long time ago and wish we captured him alive. I'm glad to see that this despicable monster can’t continue to hurt innocent people anymore."

said despite bin Laden's death, the public still needs to be cautious and vigilant about safety.

"I think it’s more symbolic than anything," Canton Police Chief Kenneth Berkowitz said today. "I don’t see it as a big influencer either way. I don’t think it makes us safer and I think we need to be careful not to be lured into a false sense of security.  The American public’s vigilance is still our best defense against those that want to do us harm."

Berkowitz could not comment on if or how Canton Police would step up security in town.

MBTA Transit Police Chief Paul MacMillan said the T is continuing to monitor the commuter rails and stations.
 
"There are no reports of any specific threats at this time," MacMillan said in a statement. "However, in order to reassure the riding public, we will continue our security inspection program and our  high visibility patrols in stations and on the trains. "

Passengers who notice anything suspicious should contact the Transit Police at 617-222-1212 or 911 or text tips to: 873873.

agreed about the importance of remaining vigilant.

"I am proud of the American military for the persistence, professionalism and courage they have exhibited in their mission to eliminate Bin Laden," Doody said. "While I don’t know what ramifications his death will have on us locally, I’m certain that those that want to harm innocent Americans will again try to strike at home and abroad."

Doody said he is grateful to the "men and women who have proudly served our country in defense of our freedom and those that continue to serve today, in particular Canton Firefighter John Tsohandaridis serving in Afghanistan (Sgt. United States Army, Det 1, Co. C, 3rd Battalion 126 Aviation,)" the fire chief said.

The sergeant, who was deployed in September 2010, is assigned as a combat medic and serves on a medical evacuation helicopter, according to Doody. "Our thoughts and prayers remain with John and family and we are looking forward to his safe return to the ."

Canton School Committee shared her view about the news: "I am incredibly proud of our country!"

Canton Resident Julie (who did not want to publish her last name) said she has very mixed emotions to the death of bin Laden.

"I'm relieved he's gone, but...I can't rejoice in his death because I don't feel joy," Julie stated. "I feel a sense of closure and I also feel that it's quite timely. On the ten year anniversary of 9/11, we can truly celebrate the lives of those we lost. "

She noted that the terrorism will not stop just because bin Laden is gone. "This doesn't end evil. Perhaps if it did I would celebrate. I worry now about my niece who is due to visit DC with her class in two weeks. I'm sure she'll be fine, but so were those who boarded Flight 11 that fateful day."

Today, Julie is taking the time to remember a coworker who just passed away along with the victims of September 11. "A beautiful young mother who kissed her infant daughter goodbye, never to return home," she said of her coworker. "...there are far too many children who lost a parent (on 9/11) when they were too young to ever remember them.  This is why I have so many mixed feelings."