Wayne comes together on anniversary of Sept. 11
By Steve Herring
Published in News on September 12, 2018 5:50 AM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Donna Wimberly, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer, reads the names of the seven people with ties to North Carolina who lost their lives as a result of the 9/11 attacks during a memorial Tuesday in front of Wayne UNC Health Care.
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
The Wayne UNC Health Care Teammate Choir sings "God Bless the USA" as people gather by the flagpole in front of the hospital to honor the those who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks.
When the nation awoke on Sept. 11, 2001, everyone probably thought it was going to be just another day, but it wasn't, said Janie Jaberg, Wayne UNC Health Care president and CEO.
"Imagine those who woke up 17 years ago today that are no longer here to celebrate," she said Tuesday morning as the hospital paid tribute to those who died in the terrorist attacks that September morning.
The ceremony, held next to the flagpole on the hospital's front lawn, also honored first responders.
Emergency vehicles were parked along the hospital entrance driveway, and the audience included law enforcement, military, firefighters and rescue personnel.
"A particular thanks to all of the men and women who take care of us every single day and make sure that we are protected and to make sure that life goes on like we want it to," Jaberg said.
Throughout the country's history, certain images become ingrained in people's minds, she said.
"For all of us, the events of Sept. 11 will forever live in our memories and in our hearts -- American Airlines Flight 11, the North Tower, United Flight 175, the South Tower, American Airlines Flight 72, the Pentagon, United Flight 93, and we all know the saying, 'Let's roll.'
"Today, we stand in remembrance of the thousands of lives tragically lost and in recognition of the courageous first responders who performed heroically in the days, weeks and months that followed."
Looking around, Jaberg said she was reminded of the selflessness and compassion displayed all around the country in the aftermath of the attacks.
"In the two years since I have joined the Wayne UNC family, I have been impressed by our brave community, our first responders, our military personnel and our campus police," she said.
"And as we look ahead over the next several days, I know yet again we are going to be in awe of each and every one of you who will deal with what we are all faced with in the next several hours."
She also read the poem "We Shall Never Forget."
Susan McCall, Wayne UNC Health Care board chairwoman, gave the welcome.
"It was once said that we value heroism on a normal day, because it's uncommon," she said. "But on Sept. 11, we valued heroism because it was everywhere. When we're in need, we pull together and become one.
"And in communities across the nation, communities just like ours, we pulled closer to our friends, families and loved ones -- as well as to one another. As we remember the tragedy of this day, we honor all heroes here in our community."
The Wayne UNC Health Care board of trustees, resolves to work in close partnership with first responders to keep the community safe, she said.
Donna Wimberly, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer, read a list of names of those with ties to North Carolina who died in the attacks.
They are: Christopher Lee Burford, 23, Pentagon; Eric Allen Cranford, 32, Pentagon; Sandra W. Bradshaw, 38, United Flight 93; Karleton Douglas Beye Fyfe, 31, American Airlines Flight 11; Ryan Kohart, 26, World Trade Center Tower 1; Dora Menchacha, 45, American Airlines Flight 77; and Christopher Quackenbush, 44, World Trade Center Tower 2.
Music was provided by the Wayne UNC Health Care Teammate Choir.
Father Colin Munroe, staff chaplain, gave the opening prayer, and the program was followed by a moment of silence.