A form of closure captures the hearts of millions as a terrorist is killed in a firefight in Pakistan.

The word came over the wire late Sunday night, spreading around the world like wildfire that the most wanted man in the world, Osama bin Laden – the leader of terrorist group Al-Qaeda, who was responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks – had been killed by US Special Forces in Pakistan.

As rumors circled the globe, President Barack Obama addressed the nation, and the world, less than one hour after the buzz hit the Internet that bin Laden had in fact been killed by a CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) organized US Strike Force that he set in motion nearly eight months ago.

“A small team of American’s carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability,” President Obama said in Sunday night’s address. “No American’s were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.”

The strike force, which was a joint effort by JSOC (Joint Special Operations Command,) was called codename “Hercules;” a fitting title that included CIA operatives and Navy SEAL Team Six, with support of Army Rangers, Delta Force, Green Berets, Air Force Special Ops and US Marines.

Gary Ceres and Richard Snow, owners and operators of I Can’t Believe It’s a Bookstore, said though they were glad to hear the news of bin Laden, it’s kind of sad because it brings back so many memories from Sept. 11, 2001, but some closure is finally achieved.

“I grew up in that whole area,” Ceres said. “My town alone (Marlboro, N.J.) lost 12 people in the attack. They commuted and worked at the World Trade Center, so it brings back a lot of bad memories for me. I’m very happy we got him, but I don’t think we should rejoice too much too early because who knows what’s going to happen and what retaliation is going to be like. But we needed to do it and I’m glad we got him.”

Ceres added that his best friend’s sister worked at the World Trade Center and was held up in traffic on Sept. 11 and didn’t make it to work.

“A blessing,” he said. “But I remember that day well. I was making phone calls to all my friends who worked down there to make sure they were okay.”

Snow said he was overjoyed when hearing about US forces getting bin Laden. However, he added, it’s not the end of it, but it is a pretty good start.

“I knew a lot of people that worked in the towers, but they had already gotten out of the buildings,” Snow said. “But others were not so lucky.”

John Furlough, a former US Army soldier, said he is just glad that US forces were able to get bin Laden.

“People just need to keep aware that bin Laden had several others who were ready to take his place and will probably be even more fanatical than he was,” Furlough said. “I think that getting bin Laden will bring some closure to a lot of people, especially to those who lost relatives and loved ones on 9/11… But everybody should be on their toes, because now the fanatics have their martyr, and they’ll come to avenge Osama bin Laden.”

He added that American’s should continue to go about their business and live their lives.

“As soon as we stop going about our everyday business, they’ve won,” he said. “So go about your business, but watch what you’re doing.”

President Obama added that bin Laden has been Al-Qaeda’s symbol for over 20 years, having plotted attacks against the United States and friends and allies.

“The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement in our nation’s effort to defeat Al-Qaeda,” President Obama said. “His death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that Al-Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must, and we will, remain vigilant at home and abroad.”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton offered her thoughts and prayers for the thousands of families who lost loved ones in bin Laden’s campaign of terror.

“I hope that families can find some comfort in the fact that justice has been served,” Clinton said in a news release. “Our battle to stop Al-Qaeda and its syndicate of terror will not stop with the death of Osama bin Laden.”

Army Capt. Carpaccio Owens, currently deployed from Fort Bragg to Afghanistan, said, “Somebody can finally call the Guinness Book of World Records, now that the longest game of Hide and Seek is finally over. Just let’s people know that no matter how long it takes, no matter where the fight may take us, ‘you can run, but you can’t hide.’”

“I don’t think it will ever bring full closure to us (American’s),” Ceres said. “I think it’s changed us forever just like World War II did. In some respects it should bring us together instead of break us apart like it’s been doing for the last five to 10 years.”

Though some are making bin Laden out to be a martyr, countless millions rejoice, knowing that an end to a form of tyranny is over.

A mission that took nine years, seven months and 20 days, is finally over. Though still fresh in the hearts of American’s, and the world, who lost loved ones in the Sept. 11, 2011 attacks, a form of closure has finally been reached and a huge weight lifted off the shoulders of Americans.