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Utah delegates left their mark on Denver today by rolling up their sleeves and completing a service project. They weren't alone. Michelle Obama spearheaded a delegate service day, involving more than 30 community projects across Denver. Many felt this was as much a part of being a delegate as voting.
It was service, not sightseeing, that drew the Utah delegates to the streets of Denver before the day's political business. Delegates went to Brent's place. Kids from all over the region, including Utah, go there after cancer treatment while they build up their immune systems.
The delegates' assignment was to clean up and organize. They say this is simply part of their party's platform. Karen Hale said, "When you talk about being a participant in the community, and your community is where you are, I think this is part of it."
Erika George said, "Senator Obama, his campaign and his vision is that we do serve and offer what we can contribute."
Corey Rushton, the husband of a delegate, said, "Michelle talked about how she gave back to the Chicago community. Every speaker has talked about it. We came here to give back to Denver. They've been great hosts."
They served their community and ours. A 3-year-old Moab girl recently spent three months there as a patient. Adele Gelfand said, "It's an absolute treat to have individuals who care about the city they're coming to as much as their hometown."
Utah delegates never actually got to declare their 29 votes. When the alphabetic roll call came to New York, Sen. Hillary Clinton suspended the vote and called for a nomination of Barack Obama by acclamation. So history has been made here in Denver.
E-mail: nwimmer@ksl.com
