Ten years ago the September 11 attacks marked one of the most tragic days in U.S. history. TCU held The Candlelight Service of Remembrance and Hope on Sunday to honor all who were affected.

Junior art history major Sarah Shelburne said she remembered how shocked she was when she heard the news sitting in her fifth grade classroom.

“No one had really taught us what terror or real loss meant yet, so it was a hard day,” Shelburne said.

Alison Hessling, a junior speech pathology major, said she remembered watching the horrible event on television.

“My mom told me as soon as I got home that day,” Hessling said. “It was really tragic watching everything on the news and all of the stories.”

Reverend Angela Kaufman, Minister to the University, said the Candlelight Service of Remembrance and Hope was an important event to have on campus because of the community support the servie offered to students.

“We are at our best here at TCU and around the world when we come together,” Kaufman said. “A service like this helps us come together and find a common voice.”

Students and staff participated by passing around lit candles. The service included singing, readings, and opportunities to write messages in honor of 9/11.

Freshmen chemistry major Jacob Boswell said he appreciated TCU honoring September 11. Boswell said that his dad was in the Air Force and was sent to Iraq immediately following the attacks.

“He was one of the first or second planes over there,” Boswell said. “I just remember being very confused why he was gone, but I had talked to him once so I knew it was okay.”

Kaufman said even though everyone has a different story from 9/11, the service brought TCU together.

Junior criminal justice major and seven year Navy veteran John Huges said he was proud of the large turnout at the service. He said remembering the past is important.

“We came together in one of the darkest times,” Hughes said. “We are just getting to that era where hope and forgiveness is just around the corner.”