by Ted Dooley
5/3/2011

Euphoria. The only word that can describe, in at least some capacity, the mood at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

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Photo of Ted Dooley May 2: Sunday night after the news of the death of Osama bin Laden.

Upon hearing what the mysterious, last minute press conference by President Obama was about, I immediately ran from my College Republicans office at the George Washington University to the White House with hundreds of other students doing the same.
 
Upon arriving at the White House, chants and screams could be heard from blocks away. From “U.S.A, U.S.A, U.S.A” to “Obama. George W. Bush.” being chanted in unison.  To follow, God Bless America and The Star Spangled Banner were sung throughout the crowd that evolved from hundreds to several thousands within minutes. Sparklers were ignited, cigars lit, and beverages consumed. It was impossible to find someone who did not have a cheek-to-cheek smile on his or her face. The only thing more invigorating than the adrenalin pumping through our veins that night was the sight of complete strangers celebrating in utter comradeship. It was evident to everyone there that this event was a moment of celebration to close the book on a chapter many young people encountered as the first national crisis in their lives
 
I still remember hearing the news of the attacks on 9/11 in my fifth grade social studies classroom in the Miller School. At the time, though I could not understand the full effects of what had happened, it was apparent to everyone that our great nation had suffered a tragic attack. Even from my youthful outlook, I could tell from everyone's demeanor that things would be drastically different from that point onward. Like that moment on September 11, 2001, I will also never forget May 1, the day in which that chapter began to come to a close. When rather than looks of dread and fright on the faces around me, all that I saw were looks of excitement, patriotism, and pride in the country we all love so dearly.
 
As I walked back to my apartment at 3. a.m. completely happy with my decision to celebrate this historical occasion rather than studying for a history final, it was impossible not to feel so proud to be an American. Hundreds of cars were driving through the streets of Washington with American and Don’t Tread On Me flags. A show of complete bipartisanship was evident as I stood with my Bush/Cheney placard next to an Obama/Biden placard receiving cheers from everyone for the show of support to both Presidents and all of the troops abroad. One could not be more proud to be an American last night. 
 
Celebrating death is not something that we, as Americans, should do, no matter the extent of evil that may exist. It was once said, ‎"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars." What we celebrated yesterday was not death, but the everlasting life of our ideals – freedom, democracy, justice and liberty. Knowing that no matter the circumstance, these ideals will always be triumphant – that’s the beauty of America.