LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) – Lufkin Mayor Jack Gordon is encouraging local residents to turn out in full force Monday afternoon for "Pride in America Day."
Mayor Gordon made the proclamation following the news that Most Wanted Terrorist Osama Bin Laden had been killed. Bin Laden was killed in a gun battle with U.S. forces early Monday in Pakistan.
The Lufkin observance is scheduled for this afternoon at 5:30 on the steps of City Hall. In the event of inclement weather, the observation will be held in the City Hall Atrium. Participants are urged to bring your American flags. "There will be lots of flag waving, USA chants, patriotic singing, and speakers as we celebrate our "Pride in America,' according to organizer Neal Naranjo.
Long believed to be hiding in caves, Osama bin Laden was tracked down and killed in a costly, custom-built hideout not far from a Pakistani military academy. The lightning U.S. raid ended bin Laden's decade on the run in sudden and spectacular fashion.
The Homeland Security Department says the death of Osama bin Laden could inspire retaliatory attacks against the U.S. and Western targets. The department's "alert," says the attacks could come from members of al-Qaida's core branch in the tribal areas of Pakistan, al-Qaida franchises in other countries and radicalized individuals in the U.S.
The FBI has updated its list of Most Wanted terrorists to note that Osama bin Laden is dead. Its website - with details about bin Laden and the $27 million being offered in rewards - now includes a large red-and-white "deceased" label atop bin Laden's photograph.
Copyright 2011 KTRE. Some information from AP was used in this story. All rights reserved.
