News and Events

press releases

Flag Display Will Honor 9/11 Victims

Honoring the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Pepperdine University plans to once again stage a dramatic display of American flags on its expansive lawn beneath the Theme Tower - one flag for each of the nearly 3,000 lives lost on that tragic day.  

The installation of the flags, which will be on display September 11 to 24, was conceived and led by the University's chapter of the College Republicans. Their initiative, enthusiasm, and hard work, partnering with several other students, volunteers, and Facilities Management and Planning staff, made last year's inaugural 9/11 flag display a stunning tribute.

"We are pleased and once again welcome the University's support and participation in the upcoming Waves of Flags: Commemorating 9/11 event," noted Chris Garcia, president emeritus of the College Republicans. "Our efforts in honoring the 9/11 victims has inspired so many people on and off campus. It's been gratifying and rewarding for all of us." In addition to including U.S. flags in the 2009 memorial, multi-national flags will be on display honoring the different nationalities of those who died during the attacks.

As it has annually since September 2001, the University plans to stage a brief prayer service on September 11 at the Heroes Garden, a 14,880-square-foot outdoor sanctuary that overlooks the Pacific Ocean on one of the highest bluffs on the Malibu campus. This year's service begins at 8 a.m. The garden serves as a public space to pause, reflect, and honor those who sacrificed their lives on 9/11 including Tom Burnett, alumnus of the Graziadio School of Business and Management.

Burnett's heroism as a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93 has been well documented. As a result of the passengers' attempt to take control of the hijacked airliner and divert it from reaching the terrorists' target, United 93 crashed in a field in Pennsylvania rather than striking a building or landmark in the nation's capital, causing more loss of human life.

Volunteers are sought to participate in the 2009 installation of the 9/11 flag display. All materials will be provided by the University. To learn more, visit www.pepperdine.edu/volunteercenter.