At that time I was 17 years old and working in a, make that only, hotel in our town. I had just finished work and had gone down to the kitchen (to get and eat the free meal we could have) when the assistant manager came in and told us the news. There was total silence that lasted for what seemed a long time, but in reality I guess was just a few moments, while we all tried to absorb what we had just been told. I just left and walked home, and cried all the way. I am not good with words, the best I can do is to say that my world shifted and shook that day. I think what Laurie wrote is part of how it felt for me too.
".... and all felt strongly that this was the beginning of the end of innocence. Indeed it was."

Chris