After hearing the news that Osama bin Laden was killed in a U.S.-led military operation, some Northwestern students took to the streets (and the library) to celebrate.
Nearly 30 students jubilantly paraded across campus in reaction to the news. Stopping at various points, the group sang the national anthem, followed by the fight song and then intermittent bouts of chants of “USA! USA!” Though no groups or individuals claimed sole responsibility for the impromptu celebrations, many played a part.
A large number of participants began their journey at the fraternity quads before making their way down Sheridan road. Eric Stefenson, a Weinberg sophomore and president of Sigma Chi, was joined by six of his fraternity brothers at the Rock where they held a large American flag that they said belonged at NU for two generations.
Stefenson said he was partly inspired by friends from George Washington University and footage from Washington, D.C. that showed many taking to the streets in response to the news. “I’m just really proud to be a wildcat right now,” Stefenson said.
The group of students stopped at several points on campus, including dorms and the library, to sing and cheer. They encouraged onlookers to join them, but most looked on bemused and slightly taken aback.
Joining the spree were various other students who felt that the Rock would be an appropriate venue for celebration. Some gave the singing instrumental backing in the form of an accordion, ukulele and trombone.
“The whole frat was down in the common room and there was unbelievable relief and pride going through our minds” said Taehee Lee, a McCormick sophomore and member of Phi Mu Alpha. “We had to take this outside and enjoy this feeling of euphoria.”