UPDATE: America's Hometown Expresses Cautious Optimism about Bin Laden's Death

Plymouth residents and tourists alike all had an opinion about the news that U.S. forces had killed Osama bin Laden last night, but the opinions, like the people, vary from joy to cautious optimism to concern that it could happen again.

Doug Macomber of Harwich was visiting Kiskadee Coffee on Main Street this afternoon and said he was celebrating that “there is a little less evil in the world today.

“I wasn’t celebrating the death, but I was celebrating the outcome,” Macomber said.

His friend, Philip Tuason of Boston was more cautious.

“I was elated initially, but then I was more aware of the threat and probably more cautious of what may happen.”

 Selectman Dicky Quintal learned about Osama bin Laden's death Sunday night while he was sitting at the bar at Sushi Joy waiting for his meal.

"There were a bunch of Plymouth firefighters sitting at the bar watching TV and the President came on, and I said 'This has got to be serious,'" Quintal recalled.

"When he said bin Laden's been killed we all cheered. I bought everyone a round of drinks."

The glee was momentary. Today Quintal reflects that bin Laden's death is a reminder of a solemn time for the country and Plymouth, which lost one of its own, 26-year-old Jennifer Kane,  who was on the 100th floor of the north tower when the World Trade Center was attacked.

Bin Laden's death could mean new attacks by his followers.

But in the meantime, Quintal is busy with more positive thoughts.

This Wednesday, he and Deputy Fire Chief Michael Young will climb into the cab of Paul Almieda's freshly painted red, white and blue flatbed, and begin the rather cramped drive to New York City to collect a piece of that sad history.

The timing of US troops successful mission couldn't have been better, Quintal said. "That was just perfect. Everything has a funny way of happening."

Quintal has been in touch with the Kane family, which is currently in Florida, about the dedication, but hasn't heard from them since bin Laden's death was announced.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey had approved Plymouth's application for a piece of steel from Ground Zero. Wednesday Young and Quintal will head off to New York to pick it up.

The artifact from Ground Zero, a steel beam 10 feet in length and weighing 1,900 pounds, will be placed on display at Plymouth’s 9-11 Memorial, located on South Spooner Street. A dedication ceremony is being planned to unveil the monument to coincide with the upcoming 10th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

Selectman Sergio Harnais said his toughts are of relief "and in a way happiness. I was fortunate that I did not lose anyone close to me on 9/11, but as an American I wanted to see the persons responsible for such a heinous attack brought to justice. The feeling of relief and happiness both stem from justice finally being served. It has been a long time coming for the families who lost loved ones, not only on 9/11, but all the other terrible acts of terrorism where innocent people lost their lives at the hands of Bin Laden. It goes to show the resolve of this country and with the brave men and women of our military, there is no place to hide.

"It also comes at a time when we as Plymouth are so fortunate to receive an artifact from Ground Zero, which will be arriving this Thursday, which makes it even more of a special event."

Selectman Chairman Bill Hallisey said bin Laden's death is a "huge victory for all American’s and soldiers around the world. There has been so many lives affected since 9/11 that it’s a great feeling to know 'Justice was served.' It will never replace the loved ones lost and the devastation that thousands of people had to endure. I call this a major victory but it has been 10 long years and thousands of lives lost and the world is unfortunately a different place due to 9/11. You can look at a picture of a loved one lost on this day and smile but the hurting never ends. It is my hope that this may be the start towards our soldiers to finally start coming home to there families and that a start world peace might be in the horizon."

Selectman John Mahoney was cautious. He heard the news this morning. "It got the week off to a good start," he said. "It was something long overdue.There’s still a lot of work left. By no means does this signal the end of anything. The best way to remember those lost on 911 is to ensure that nothing like that happens again. (We need to be) ever vigalent.

Former selectman and veteran Alba Thompson said she expects al-Qaida to react "whereever it remains. Their past history is so terrible.

"Let me put it this way. Of course we’re glad that he’s gone from the scene. On other hand, you can’t help look at what’s happening out there. The Middle East is on fire and this is just another one of those cases where somebody has lit another explosion"

Thompson said she was pleased that Plymouth, American's Hometown, will have a piece of the World Trade Center to help remember, "but how sad. Sometimes you can't go back again, and sometimes it's better to leave things in the past."

You said it! See video responses to Osama bin Laden's death nearly 10 years after Sept. 11.