story3771.xml

story3771.xml

born-digital

story

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2002-09-11

Like many others, I was moved by the events of 9/11 even though I did not know anyone who died in the attacks. I'm still a very patriotic American who loves my country and abhors any kind of violence, especially the terror that took place that infamous day. I only share my story because of an interesting situation my job presented that day.

I worked as a server for a semi-fancy restauant (Mulboons) in downtown Salt Lake City, and we often catered luncheons for different events. On September 11(and 12), 2001 we served lunch for a large group of organizers from all over the world (including many middle eastern countries), who were meeting in preparation for the Olympics which would take place in Salt Lake City a mere five months later. What was interesting was that this group's purpose was to discuss ways to prevent and protect against terrorism during the Olympics. When they came into lunch, many of them knew only the most minor details of what had happened while they were in meetings. I not only served lunch that day, but I also had the dubious task of sharing what little information I had gleaned from the two or three hours I spent in front of the television that morning before going to work. Everyone was very shocked and concerned, but I didn't really see any fear, just resolve. I feel very fortunate to have been witness to not just my neighbors, and not just my country pulling together for strength and support, but my whole world.