SOUTH JORDAN — A free, immersive exhibit commemorating a quarter-century since the Sept. 11 attacks is open to the public this weekend in South Jordan. “Utah Remembers: The 9/11 Project” at the USU Bastian Agricultural Center features firsthand accounts from individuals who were at Ground Zero, providing unique perspectives on the tragic events.
The event, a collaborative effort between South Jordan City and the Major Brent Taylor Foundation, invites residents to engage with an immersive timeline of the attacks. Visitors can hear directly from people who were present at the World Trade Center, allowing them to recall their experiences and share their personal stories.
Among those participating is Hector Soto, a New York City Transit Authority first responder. Soto, who is part of the exhibit, shared his experience of arriving at the scene after the towers had already fallen. He described the overwhelming nature of what he encountered, stating that "All the training I took couldn't prepare me for what I was about to see."
Soto recounted witnessing the profound grief of families searching for their loved ones amidst the devastation. He described a "huge crowd" of immediate relatives desperately looking for those who worked in the towers, a scene he noted "it was tough to see." These firsthand perspectives are a core component of the exhibit.
Soto expressed a significant hope for the exhibit: that younger generations, many of whom were not yet born during the attacks, will leave with a deeper understanding of the events and their lasting impact. He emphasized the importance of knowing "what happened" and why it matters, noting that "Our home was attacked," and explaining how the attacks led to the "war on terror."
Beyond remembrance, "Utah Remembers: The 9/11 Project" also serves as a platform for service and volunteerism. Nonprofit and various service organizations will showcase their work throughout the event, offering opportunities for community members to learn about their missions and recruit new volunteers.
The event also includes a professional career fair designed to highlight various public service and community-oriented professions. This fair provides an opportunity for attendees to explore careers in critical fields such as the military, medical professions, fire departments, police forces, civic roles, and educational institutions.
“Utah Remembers: The 9/11 Project” is free and open to everyone, running through Monday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the USU Bastian Agricultural Center.
