Annual 'Waves of Flags' to Commemorate 9/11 on Pep Campus

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BY KAYLA BROWN

Pepperdine University's annual Waves of Flags display commemorates the tenth anniversary of 9/11 this year. 

While the nation unites to pay their respects, on September 11, 2011, Pepperdine will embark upon a series of memorial services in honor of those whose lives were taken on the day our country will forever homage as 9/11.

"Though a decade has passed, we have not forgotten, nor will we ever forget," said Pepperdine's president, Andrew Benton.

"Our memorial remembrance bears witness to the fact that in honoring the dead, we ensure that the memory of their goodness and righteousness endures," Benton added.

For the past four years, Pepperdine has provided the community with displays and ceremonies in honor of all who were affected by the attacks on 9/11.

A "breathtaking" tradition is the Waves of Flags display at Alumni Park. This visual commemoration dresses the university's front lawn with 2976 flags, equivalent to the number of lives lost on 9/11.

The Waves of Flags exhibit will be displayed from September 9-19.

The bounty of flags draws many onlookers from the community to the campus, and this year it is expected to continue this tradition.

Also anticipated are "hundreds of motorcyclists" for their annual Ride to the Flags, and "dozens of students, alumni volunteers, Greek groups, athletes, and student clubs" that will join together and bring the memorial services to life.

Pepperdine plans to commence the series of events with a reading of victims' names at Alumni Park, beginning at 11 a.m. on 9/11.

There will be "20 readers from service, charitable, religious, and professional organizations" and "15 individuals from the Pepperdine community" who will aid in the reading of the names.

Following this service, at 1 p.m. in the Elkins Auditorium, is a scheduled viewing of the film "United 93," which portrays the heroic fight against terrorists by the crew and passengers of the United Flight 93.

Pepperdine alumnus, Thomas E. Burnett Jr., was a casualty of Flight 93, which means that this film hits close to home. Christian Clemenson, the actor who portrayed Burnett, is expected to attend and will discuss the film after the screening.

The University Church of Christ will host two services, at 8:30 and 11 a.m., in Elkins Auditorium entitled "Legacies of Hope and Peace: A gathering to remember Christ's work of hope and peace in those whose lives were changed forever on 9/11."

At 4 p.m., an hour-long memorial service will occur in Alumni Park. Remarks by Benton and Burnett's widow Deena Burnett Bailey will lead the commemoration of the "lives of our fallen heroes."

Heroes Garden, established in 2002, and considered to be "one of the highest bluffs of the Malibu campus with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean" will be open to visitors all day, except from 2-2:30 p.m., when it is closed for a private ceremony.

The garden is described as an area of memorial plaques and "tranquil" water displays surrounded by several benches for "peaceful reflection."

A decade later, Pepperdine acknowledges 9/11 as a time to respect, reminisce, and honor the many lives affected by this monumental day in our nation's history. The university encourages community involvement, and invites those interested to come out and pay their respects. All events are free and open to the public.

Anyone who might be interested in volunteering to assist with any of the upcoming events is invited to visit www.pepperdine.edu/ volunteercenter/opportunities/specialevents.htm.

For a detailed description of scheduled events, visit the Pepperdine 9/11 Commemoration website, or contact Jerry Derloshon at 310-506-6485. 

9/11 SCHEDULE RECAP

8:30 and 11 a.m.

University Church of Christ: "Legacies of Hope and Peace: A gathering to remember Christ's work of hope and peace in those whose lives were changed forever on 9/11" Elkins Auditorium

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

"Remembering the Fallen: A Reading of Names" Alumni Park.

1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.

Film screening: "United 93" and conversation with actor Christian Clemenson Elkins Auditorium

4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Honoring the Heroes of 9/11 A 10th Anniversary Remembrance Alumni Park

All day

The Heroes Garden is open to visitors

Drescher Graduate Campus