It’s rare that I go to sleep before midnight, but on Sunday, May 1, I was asleep before 11 p.m. I woke up Monday, May 2, to a new world. I awoke to a text message: “Bin Laden is DEAD.” I didn’t need a cup of coffee to wake me up yesterday. I felt a sense of relief, and then I thought to myself, “I know life goes on, so what will happen next?” As Fran stated in his blog yesterday, the travel industry changed the most dramatically after the horrific events of 9/11. As circumstance would have it, on Monday I was scheduled to be at JFK Airport at 10 a.m. There was no question that I would still be heading to the airport, but my senses were heightened as I took the journey to the airport. I watched the news as I got ready yesterday morning. With full faith in the NYPD and their ability to keep our great city safe, I headed to the subway, then caught the Long Island Railroad to the airport. It was a beautiful day; and while there was more visible police presence, the commute held nothing out of the ordinary. I was looking forward to a visit to JFK yesterday, as I had been invited by All Nippon Airways to attend a photo shoot of the landing of ANA’s Boeing 777 aircraft from Tokyo Narita. ANA had the aircraft painted with a new message, “Forward together as One Japan.” In my opinion, it is always a privilege to get down on the tarmac with the aircraft. This experience was no exception, as  the aircraft carried a special message for the Japanese people. Japan must get the message out that Tokyo and other parts of Japan are recovering and visitors are welcome. I was pleased to see ANA welcome the media; I also found it interesting New York City is the only international destination where this special aircraft is currently flying. New York is an important market for all industries, and nearly 10 years after the 9/11 attacks, the city stands stronger and united. In difficult times, from terror attacks to the death and destruction of Mother Nature, we must all unite to help the greater good. Fortunately, one man who worked to prevent the greater good is no longer here to spread his destructive message. I know the resilience of the Japanese people; the devastation they must recover from is far from over. I am glad to see one of their national carriers sending a message. I flew ANA last November, and the service is one I would recommend to any long-haul traveler. — Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher