Eighth Annual Waves of Flags Display Honors 9/11 Victims
On Friday, September 11, 2015, the expansive lawn of Pepperdine University’s Alumni
Park will once again be home to the University’s annual installation of Waves of Flags.
Waves of Flags will feature a display of 2,977 flags in total–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. Now in its eighth year, Waves of Flags has become a significant service project for the Pepperdine community. On September 10, a group of over 250 volunteers, including Pepperdine students, staff, and members of the greater Malibu community, will join together to install and raise the flags.
Doug Hurley, director of Student Activities and Campus Recreation at Pepperdine, highlighted the importance of the installation. “Waves of Flags is a great opportunity for the Pepperdine community to reflect on what happened on 9/11,” he said. “It’s beautiful to see so many pieces of the University come together in unity to paint Alumni Park with the red, white, and blue.” Waves of Flags serves as a tribute in addition to The Heroes Garden, a public space to reflect and honor those who sacrificed their lives on 9/11, including Pepperdine alumnus Thomas E. Burnett, a passenger on United Flight 93.
The garden's plaque reads: "Dedicated to freedom's heroes of September 11, 2001, and the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93, among them Pepperdine alumnus Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., who sacrificed their lives to overcome terrorists’ intent on destroying American lives and landmarks in our nation's capital. We shall never forget."
Waves of Flags will be open to the public for viewing and visitation from September 10 to 24, 2015. The installation will be located at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road.