Nyackers React to bin Laden's Death; 'Overwhelming Emotion'

When Alison Crowther heard the news last night that al Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden had been killed by U.S. forces, she was overwhelmed.

"I had fallen asleep with the television on, and woke up to see the news," she explained. "I was sobbing uncontrollably. I was overcome with 10 years of emotion."

"It came as a surprise, I couldn't believe my eyes," Crowther continued. "This is a major step—we've rid the world of a monster."

While September 11, 2001 was a grievous day for all Americans, Crowther's experience was particularly devastating—she and her husband, Jeff, lost their 24-year-old son Welles in the attack. Welles graduated in 1995 and was working with an investment banking firm in the World Trade Center when the planes hit.

After their son's tragic passing, the Crowthers began the Crowther Trust, an organization that honors Welles memory by generously donating to various charities. In the past, the fund has benefited The Rockland Symphony Orchestra and The Fresh Air fund, Nyack Little League and The Summit Speech School for hearing impaired children.

Welles Crowther would have been able to escape the attack, according to eyewitnesses, had he not stayed behind on the 78th floor to aid others. Several people who escaped the burning building reported a man had worked diligently to guide others to safety and carry to less capable to lower floors. When Alison Crowther later showed a photo of her son to people rescued from the 78th floor, they confirmed it was Welles who was responsible for saving their lives.

For those interested in making a donation to the Crowther Trust, visit the website. Last September, the Crowthers put on a concert for remembrance at Nyack's Grace Church. (Photos .) There are more events planned for the near future, too: on June 4 there will be a Nyack alumni lacrosse game at Nyack High School, and a golf fundraiser at Patriot Hills Golf Course in Stony Point on September 30.

George Ochman, a 63-year-old Orangeburg resident, currently has a son, Tom, stationed in Afghanistan. Tom Ochman is a member of the Army's 10th mountain division. Ochman is pleased with the news of bin Laden's death, but believes it will not change much. 

"I don't think it will change the situation in Afghanistan," he said. "I don't think our soldiers will be coming home, and neither do my neighbors."

"But it absolutely provides a morale boost to the troops and everyone at home, too," he added.

Ochman spoke with his son yesterday, before the news broke, and has not had a chance to discuss bin Laden's death with Tom. Ochman also noted he fears some form of retaliation from the al Qaeada network. 

Other Rocklanders have sounded off, as well.

"Today, America can once again stand tall," said the Rev. David Lothrop of South Nyack, who is Clarkstown's police chaplain and has worked with many local families affected by the attacks. "We are grateful to the men and women in our military who have given there all in bringing this murderer to justice. May those who lost their lives defending our freedom rest in peace. To those on the front lines, we say 'thank you.' I have worked through the years with many of the 9/11 families, and although this doesn't bring their loved one back, they can at least know that the mastermind of this tragedy has been brought to justice on this earth."

Chief Robert Van Cura is a member of a regional law enforcement group that coordinates anti-terror efforts.

"Obviously it's a good thing,"  Van Cura said in reaction to the reports of bin Laden's death. "From the CTZ 4 perspective we are mindful that this action may prompt some sort of retaliation by his supporters and affiliates and will be focused with our regional partners on trying to prevent that from happening. We would ask the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity to their local police or the 1-866-SAFE-NYS or 1-866-723-3697."

With two sons serving in the military, the fate of bin Laden has also been a key issue for Rockland County Legislature member Ed Day, R-New City.

"[I feel] great satisfaction, particularly for the the families of those victims Bin Laden had a hand in killing over the years," Day said in reaction to bin Laden's death. "It is my great hope now that the resolve of our enemy will be heavily impacted by the removal of their leader, and that will translate into more success on the ground for our troops in Afghanistan."

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