It was 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 21 when someone knocked on Lori and Greg Coumas' front door.

The sanctuary at Century Assembly had its share of tears on Monday afternoon, but it seemed to be full of people showing profound respect for Kyle Andrew Coumas, who was killed on Oct. 21 in Afghanistan.

A 22-year-old Lockeford man who was killed in action last year in Afghanistan will be honored with a special Medal of Valor from the Lodi Elks Lodge during a Memorial Day service on Monday in Woodbridge.

Sept. 11 has altered Americans’ lives forever. But for mothers and fathers with children in the military, Sept. 11 has a more personal meaning.

Greg and Lori Coumas have gone through more than their share of ups and downs since their 22-year-old son, Kyle, died last October in Afghanistan.

As the parents of Spc. Kyle Coumas, we would like to thank everyone in our community for honoring our son. The cards and letters of sympathy, gratitude and encouragement have been heartwarming and very much appreciated. There are no words to describe the pride and warmth we experienced at the sight of so many people lining the streets, holding signs, waving the American flag and even saluting as the hearse passed by. We will never forget the moment we learned of our son's sacrifice in Afghanistan; nor will we forget the support and dignity with which our community helped us say goodbye and lay our fallen hero to rest.

It's a tribute of sweat and pounding feet, counting out the miles and honoring the memories of California's military men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks that killed thousands of Americans, was slain in a firefight Sunday with U.S. forces in Pakistan, ending a manhunt that spanned a decade. Here are some local reactions from Sunday night after President Barack Obama announced the news:

Taj Khan, Lodi Muslim

“I’m glad he has departed from this world, and the world will be a safer place.

“All the people of Pakistan are going to be really happy. A lot of people have died in Pakistan for the last five or six years.”

The fatal shooting of a Lodi murder suspect who lunged at a judge was the top story of 2009, according to News-Sentinel readers.