On Thursday, September 11, 2025, 佩珀代因大学 hosted its 17^th annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, honoring those who lost their lives during the 2001 terrorist attacks. This year, Pepperdine welcomed actor Dennis Quaid as the University’s distinguished honoree.

丹尼斯·奎德在佩珀代因大学校友公园向满座的人群发表了讲话

“These people [in reference to those represented by the flags] by their selfless service and sacrifice are the steel which makes us strong and holds us together as a nation,” said Quaid during his address. “The call that they answered is governed by the same eternal principles that called those who came before us: to answer to a higher calling—to be willing to make that ultimate sacrifice… Today we gather to reflect and remember and renew that spirit.”

In his speech, Quaid examined the resilience and immense fortitude of the American spirit, tracing back to his parents’ generation who were shaped by the Great Depression, World War II, and the prosperity that followed. He reflected on the turbulence of the 1960s, the Vietnam War Era, and the Iran Hostage Crisis, emphasizing how these events contributed to a deterioration of national strength and confidence. Quaid credited the leadership of president Ronald 里根, whom he portrayed in the feature film 里根, with reigniting hope and inspiring Americans to live for a greater purpose.

“里根’s leadership, guided by his principles, ushered America into a new era, renewed our sense of purpose as a country, and inspired the American people to a higher calling to serve,” said Quaid. “[That renewal] was most definitely there on 9/11, when our firefighters, police, and first responders answered the call to save the lives of Americans they had never met—those men and women who are running in when everybody else is running out. 他们是美国最优秀、最勇敢的人。 They carry the torch that must be kept burning by each new generation.”

In addition to Quaid, the ceremony featured key contributions from University administrators, staff, students, and friends of the institution. Chancellor Sarah Young Jackson (’74) opened the event by recognizing 瑞恩·索特尔（09届）—an alum who helped establish the 飘扬的旗帜 annual display in 2008. Jackson also expressed appreciation for the active duty military members, veterans, and first responders in attendance.

总统吉姆·加什紧随奎德的讲话

Dee Dee Mayer, Pepperdine’s interim chaplain and senior director of RelateStrong at the Boone Center for the Family, led a prayerful invocation, honoring the lives lost during the 9/11 attacks and asking God to, “stir our hearts to live differently because of what we remember.” Following Mayer, 西维尔大学 seniors—Cokie Daniel and H.L. McCullough—and distinguished guest Brigitte Bren made patriotic and spiritual contributions to the ceremony. Daniel offered a moving rendition of the national anthem, while Bren led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. McCullough, who is also the 西维尔大学 student body president, offered a reading of scripture from the book of Matthew 5: 2-11—an excerpt of Christ’s sermon on the mount.

Prior to his introduction of the event’s distinguished honoree, 帕特布恩, a celebrated musician, entertainer, and co-chair of the University Board, played a recording of his rendition of “God Bless America” and invited the audience to sing along to the patriotic anthem. After the performance, Boone welcomed Quaid, noting his special connection to the actor through his involvement in 里根 and praised Quaid’s enduring career as both a celebrated screen star and famed American symbol.

Following Quaid’s keynote address, Pepperdine president Jim Gash (JD ’93) spoke on behalf of the University, connecting the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony to the theme for the year—Purpose. He reminded attendees that one’s duty in this lifetime is a direct call from God—a direct call each individual must discover and answer. Gash’s remarks culminated in remembering the fallen heroes of 9/11 and their brave fortitude to serve their nation and purpose unto death.

插上最后一面旗帜

“你和我有一个更伟大的目标。 我们与命运有约。” “May we do our duty — with courage, with resolve, with deep hope, and with eternal joy. May we rise to meet our moment, just as those we honor here today rose to meet theirs.”

The ceremony concluded with a benediction from the chair of the 佩珀代因大学 校董会, Dee Anna Smith (’86), and a ceremonial placing of the final flag. Quaid, Eric Leshinsky, US Air Force veteran and director of student veteran affairs, and Jennifer Seetoo, commander of the North Patrol Division Headquarters of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department planted the final flag. and the events culminated with a “missing-man formation” flyover performed by the Condor Squadron—a non-profit organization that uses restored World War II-era North American AT-6/SNJ trainer aircraft to honor fallen military heroes and preserve aviation history.

飘扬的旗帜 will remain on display in 校友 Park and open to the public through September 25, 2025. Members of the public are invited to walk through the display and visit the 反射站 to write a message on the provided note cards and attach them to any flagpole.