Miles from the hustle and bustle of New York City where the memories of Sept. 11, 2001 still hang heavy in the air, a marquee proclaims victory over terror with three small words: Justice was served.

“I still remember the 343 fire fighters who lost their lives on Sept. 11,” remarked Sistersville Fire Chief Steve Leasure, who posted the phrase on the fire department’s marquee. His sentiments are echoed throughout the county.

Most Americans remember where they were when they learned of the murderous events that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001. Now, those Americans can add another date to their remembrance – May 1, 2011, the day which marks the announcement of the death of Osama bin Laden and the end of his tyrannical reign of terror.

To Lisa Shepherd, the death of bin Laden signifies swift justice. “(It signifies) justice for all of the men and women whose lives were lost, not only on Sept. 11, but over the last nine-and-a-half years. Justice for the families who said goodbye forever to their loved ones.” she said. “America has endured tears, grief, anger, and a coming together that cannot be matched anywhere in the world! Justice, finally, for America and for the rest of the world!”

`For Mike Grimm, a former fire fighter, the death means closure for the families who lost loved ones when the twin towers fell.

Kayla Henthorn remarked, “Though it still seems unreal, (his death) signifies the end of an era where we were actually fearful for the lives of all in our country. While I still fear relatiation, it signifies justice and freedom.”

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement following the news. “Osama bin Laden’s death is a historic and just victory for this nation. I congratulate the President and salute the brave men and women in our armed services and the intelligence community for their courage, persistence and dedication in carrying out this mission.

“Finally, I hope that this nation and the families of those who lost loved ones on Sept. 11 can take solace in the fact that justice was indeed served today,” he said.

Others contend bin Laden’s death means nothing – describing him as an isolated, ineffectual figure head. “The organization that he set up has embolden radicals and they will continue to try to impose their religion on the rest of the world,” Charles Winslow stated.

A small team of Americans killed bin Laden in a firefight Sunday at a compound in the Pakistani town of Abbottabat, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of the capital Islamabad, U.S. and Pakistani officials said. The team took custody of his remains and American officials said they were being handled in accordance with Islamic tradition.