WesternU holds Sept. 11 memorial

Western University of Health Sciences faculty, staff and students held a memorial service to honor those who died seven years ago in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and those who continue to serve in the military, police, fire and other vital services.

The service included prayers, songs by the Western University Chamber Singers and words of remembrance by WesternU President Philip Pumerantz and College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Dean Clinton Adams.

The event was organized by WesternU’s Military Medicine Club, Christian Fellowship Club and the Western University Chamber Singers

Navy Ensign Tim Dockman, DO ’11, recounted the tragic events of that day when hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and how passengers on United Flight 93 sacrificed their own lives to prevent a fourth attack. Also, more than 400 police officers, firefighters, rescue workers and military personnel died while saving others, he said.

“As tragic as this day was, an even greater tragedy would be to allow the memory of those fallen heroes to be forgotten with time,” Dockman said. “And so we gather today to take pause and honor those victims, especially those who risked and lost their lives for others. By honoring those lost, we allow their memory to live on.”