Interview202046 min640×360

John Gatto oral history interview conducted by Laurel Gumpert, August 31, 2020

Gumpert, Laurel

History

At the Library of Congress

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About

On the morning of 9/11, John, a tax consultant, was on the subway going to work at Prudential Securities downtown, when the subway was evacuated by the police due to an emergency. John got out and walked to his office. When he learned of the attack, he insisted on going to the WTC to help, even though his supervisor was not happy with his decision. He went to the NY Stock Exchange and made sure that everyone evacuated. When he got closer to the WTC, he began helping anyone who needed it. John heard screaming and realized one of the towers was beginning to fall, so he hid behind a building with a group of people. They were quickly enveloped in dust and were forced to break into a bank to breathe fresh air. When he woke up the next morning, he was unable to see clearly and had to receive medical attention. Trying to cope with his experience, John couldn't return to work for several days. When he returned to work the following week, he saw workers haul out debris while people were crying on the streets. His company lost people during the tragedy, and John personally knew some first responders who perished, as well. After 9/11, John witnessed changes in almost every aspect of his life. His company was taken over and the new owner let him go from his job, leaving him searching for jobs in a city where businesses were leaving Wall Street. He eventually found work as a security guard. John has also been facing physical impacts and is grateful for the medical care he receives from…

Archive
Library of Congress, in Library of Congress
Licence or status
Rights statement at the Library of Congress, as the Library of Congress states it.
Credit
Library of Congress
Language
English
Country
United States
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