Still grieving, families share memories and misgivings

Area family members of 9/11 victims are experiencing a range of emotions following the death of Osama bin Laden. They’re finding ways to remember their loved ones. At the beautiful and serene “Garden of Reflection” 9/11 Memorial in Bucks County, residents and family members gathered to drop off flowers, flags, and newspapers with the headline that bin Laden had been killed.

The memorial was built in honor of the 18 Bucks County residents who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks. Ellen Saracini came to think about her husband, Victor Saracini. He was the captain of United Flight 175, the second plane to strike the World Trade Center. She said she has mixed feelings about bin Laden’s death. “I’m thrilled that we have a part of terrorism that’s being taken care of, but at the same time, my children don’t have their dad at home with them, and it’s just very difficult feelings,” she said.

Together with other victims’ families, Saracini was instrumental in getting the memorial garden built. Sitting by the memorial’s fountain, Warminster resident Noel Devine says the garden has become a healing place for the area, which was hard hit by the attacks. She said residents are very fortunate to have this garden as a place to come and remember those who died on Sept. 11.

In Philadelphia, musician Adam Herndon remembered his cousin Noell Maerz who died in the World Trade Center. He said he has been having a tough time with the general spirit of celebration surrounding Bin Laden’s death.

“I went on Facebook, and it’s jokes and people treat it like we have won something, and I don’t think that we have won anything,” said Herndon.

Philadelphia psychologist Linda Welsh facilitated a support group for victims’ families in the aftermath of the attacks. She said many family members will likely be reliving the grief and sadness they felt 10 years ago. Welsh said they may also feel a sense of relief.