Paul Walier stopped at St. Vincent De Paul Cemetery in North Evans Monday afternoon to visit the grave of his sister, Margaret Walier-Seeliger, who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City. Walier visited the cemetery one day after the man believed to be responsible for the attacks, Osama bin Laden, was killed by U.S. special armed forces during a raid in Pakistan.
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By: Christopher Gordon Sun Editor
Paul Walier and his family awoke Monday morning to news they had waited for since Sept. 11, 2001: Osama bin Laden was finally dead.
Margaret Walier-Seeliger, a graduate of Frontier High School, was among those killed inside of the World Trade Center nearly a decade ago when two planes struck the towers during the terrorist attack.
Paul was asleep Sunday night when President Barack Obama told the world that a strike by special U.S. forces in Pakistan led to the death of bin Laden. But he said it was a sense of relief for the family, noting that hearing the news was “surreal.”
“There was some joy in there,” he said, noting that he told his family if and when the day ever arrived, “you’re going to wake up in the morning not expecting it.”
Walier admitted he was losing hope that bin Laden would ever be captured. Part of the reason was because there have been so many other major stories, he was nervous that the focus on bin Laden may not have been as strong.
“Bin Laden over the last few years kind of got pushed to the back,” said Walier.
He and his family were glad to hear that the man ultimately responsible for the death of his sister was finally brought to justice.
“Relief might be the best word,” said Walier.
He credits Obama and the U.S. government for finally being able to bring the news that families have been waiting upon for nearly a decade.
“I think they have to be commended from the president all the way down,” said Walier.
After hearing that bin Laden was killed, Walier said it brought back a lot of the emotions from the day of the attack.
“We needed to get this guy in a bad way,” said Walier, adding “It doesn’t bring back my sister.”
“I commend the military and the intelligence for following up on him,” said Walier.
With bin Laden dead, Walier said he is worried about the potential for retaliation by members of al-Qaida, the bin Laden-led militant Islamic group, which took credit for the 9/11 attacks.
Walier fears whether bin Laden left instructions to his followers if he was killed. While he and others wait to see if there is any type of retaliation, he said Margaret would be thrilled at the news of bin Laden’s death.
“I think my sister would say good riddance,” said Walier. “It’s a good day.”
In just over four months, Walier will return to New York City for the 10th consecutive year to remember all of the lives that were lost, including Margaret’s, in the 9/11 attacks.
“I go down every year to ‘Ground Zero,’” said Walier. “I haven’t missed a year.”
This year will be extra special for a number of reasons. Among them is a memorial wall being built in honor of the victims.
Along with being the 10-year anniversary, Walier said he believes there will also be a sense of celebration with bin Laden dead.
“I’m looking forward to the 10th anniversary,” said Walier, adding he expects there to be “more bounce in people’s steps” as this news will bring closure to many of the victims’ families.
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