MONROE - Even though it's been almost 10 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001, Osama bin Laden's death Sunday and the celebration that followed were a remarkable experience for one Monroe native who got to join in.
Jamie Armstrong is a 19-year-old student at George Washington University in the nation's Capitol. And after hearing news that bin Laden was dead late Sunday, Armstrong and her roommate headed to the White House to celebrate with the gathering crowds.
"The atmosphere was one of celebration. There was so much pride in everyone there. This event is just so momentous that it really brought everyone together," Armstrong said in an email.
While she was walking toward the White House, many other students were leaving the campus. Cars drove past them, filled with people honking and waving American flags, she said.
While at the White House, she noticed American flags everywhere - even a man wearing an American flag body suit joined those packing the streets.
"It was simply an unbelievable experience and I am thrilled that I got to be a part of it with my friends by my side."
Those Armstrong encountered Monday are still talking about Sunday night and telling stories about the experience.
"It is a very upbeat atmosphere, but at the same time a lot of us still have exams to focus on, so that has taken away from some of the ongoing festivities."
While it's a victory for the U.S., the future is unclear, Armstrong said.
"I'm not sure what will happen now," Armstrong said. "Even though this is a huge victory, we all know that this does not mean things are going to end with the war. It is a huge step in the right direction and that is something that everyone is really focused on."
Armstrong was in elementary school at the time of the terrorist attacks. She remembers walking into math class and seeing the news updates, then the planes hitting the World Trade Center buildings.
"It was hard for us kids because the adults knew and understood the significance of what was going on. That is why this time is different," Armstrong said. " We are older now and can completely comprehend that this event is one for the history books."
Jamie Armstrong is a 19-year-old student at George Washington University in the nation's Capitol. And after hearing news that bin Laden was dead late Sunday, Armstrong and her roommate headed to the White House to celebrate with the gathering crowds.
"The atmosphere was one of celebration. There was so much pride in everyone there. This event is just so momentous that it really brought everyone together," Armstrong said in an email.
While she was walking toward the White House, many other students were leaving the campus. Cars drove past them, filled with people honking and waving American flags, she said.
While at the White House, she noticed American flags everywhere - even a man wearing an American flag body suit joined those packing the streets.
"It was simply an unbelievable experience and I am thrilled that I got to be a part of it with my friends by my side."
Those Armstrong encountered Monday are still talking about Sunday night and telling stories about the experience.
"It is a very upbeat atmosphere, but at the same time a lot of us still have exams to focus on, so that has taken away from some of the ongoing festivities."
While it's a victory for the U.S., the future is unclear, Armstrong said.
"I'm not sure what will happen now," Armstrong said. "Even though this is a huge victory, we all know that this does not mean things are going to end with the war. It is a huge step in the right direction and that is something that everyone is really focused on."
Armstrong was in elementary school at the time of the terrorist attacks. She remembers walking into math class and seeing the news updates, then the planes hitting the World Trade Center buildings.
"It was hard for us kids because the adults knew and understood the significance of what was going on. That is why this time is different," Armstrong said. " We are older now and can completely comprehend that this event is one for the history books."