Pepperdine Honors Lives Lost on 9/11

Photos by Hali Orefice and Samantha Bravo

On September 11, more than 500 members of the Pepperdine University community gathered at the Malibu campus for the 16th annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, honoring the 2,977 lives lost in the 2001 attacks. University President Jim Gash reflected on the significance of remembrance, stating, “It’s not just the act of remembering that we’re interested in but what the act of remembering calls us to do moving forward.” He emphasized that the sacrifices made by those who perished serve as a reminder to uphold the values of freedom, justice, and equality.

The ceremony welcomed distinguished honoree Pat Boone, who delivered a heartfelt tribute as he stood before the Waves of Flags display. “Look at these precious flags,” Boone said, referencing the 3,078 American and international flags waving in the breeze. “They’re standing, but they’re speaking, too… Sing, flags, sing. We’re listening, and we love you.”

Eric Leshinsky, Director of Student Veteran Affairs and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, alongside Samuel Miller, Pepp Vet Council President, planted the final flag during the solemn event. The Waves of Flags tradition, which began in 2008, is a powerful act of service, uniting the Pepperdine and Malibu communities in remembrance. The campus is also home to Heroes Garden, a memorial honoring heroic acts, including those of Pepperdine alumnus Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., a passenger on United Flight 93. The ceremony and displays serve as a poignant reminder to honor the past and carry forward the spirit of unity and resilience.