Pepperdine University Honors 9/11 Victims with Waves of Flags Display
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From September 10 to 26, Alumni Park became home to the University’s ninth annual
Waves of Flags installation, a display that each year commemorates the lives lost
in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.
Waves of Flags featured 2,977 full-size flags—2,887 American flags for each American
life lost and 90 various international flags representing the home countries of those
from abroad who died in the 9/11 attacks.
The installation became a Pepperdine tradition in 2008 when the College Republicans,
inspired by a similar display, wanted to bring the tribute to the University.
Doug Hurley, associate dean of students for student activities and campus recreation
at Pepperdine, highlighted the importance of the installation. “This year Waves of
Flags coincided with the University’s day of service, Step Forward Day, creating a
great opportunity for the Pepperdine community to come together and reflect on the
events of 9/11,” he said.
In addition to the Waves of Flags installation, the University is the permanent home
of the Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., Heroes Garden, a public space for visitors to reflect
and honor all those who live heroic lives, including namesake and Pepperdine alumnus
Thomas Burnett (MBA ’95), a passenger on United Flight 93 who lost his life in the
9/11 attacks.