The 911纪念仪式 at 佩珀代因大学, held on Wednesday, 2024年9月11日, at 校友 Park on the Malibu campus, was a heartfelt tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives lost and all those affected by the tragic events of 2001. Set against Pepperdine’s 飘扬的旗帜 display, chancellor Sara Young Jackson ('74) presided over the event, which opened with an invocation from senior vice chancellor Adrian Stevens. 西维尔大学 student Skyla Woodard delivered a powerful rendition of the National Anthem, followed by Marlyn Day ('90, JD '94), co-chair of the University Board, who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Student Government Association president Myers Mentzer then read verses from the fifth chapter of 2 Corinthians, setting a thoughtful tone for the ceremony. Jackson introduced the ceremony’s distinguished honoree and speaker, Pat Boone, a celebrated musician, entertainer, and co-chair of the University Board. Prior to taking the stage to deliver his keynote address, a recorded version of Boone’s recently released single, "Where Did America Go?" echoed across the lawn, visibly touching members of the audience and evoking memories of unity and loss.

帕特·布恩和莎拉·扬·杰克逊

A passionate patriot with a diverse catalog, including patriotic songs and military anthems, Boone delivered a keynote address reflecting deeply on the lasting legacy of 9/11, the American flag, and the men and women who have bravely sacrificed their lives to defend it. He emphasized the importance of national unity and resilience, highlighting the symbolism of Pepperdine’s massive flag display and the rhythm created by the flags waving in the wind.

“看看这些珍贵的旗帜，”布恩说。 “Three thousand standing in our blessed California breeze. 他们站着，但他们也在说话。 Listen and hear these flags speak and sing of America, of God and country, and of freedoms and liberties 华体会体育 for all of us. 唱吧，旗帜，唱吧。 我们在听，我们爱你。”

吉姆·加什总统

University president Jim Gash (JD '93) provided additional remarks, honoring the courage of first responders and underscoring the continued importance of remembrance. He highlighted this year's academic theme, "Freedom," and its profound relevance on this day, describing the flags as banners of freedom that inspire us to live with integrity for the benefit of all humanity.

“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,” said Gash. “Where there is honor, there is freedom, justice, and equality. Those who fell honored us and all we stand for by paying the greatest price. The way we live now gives meaning and purpose to the way they died then.”

The ceremony concluded with a benediction by Tim Spivey ('97, MS '00, MDiv '00), vice president for 精神生活, followed by the placing of the final flag. This symbolic gesture was introduced by Lauren Cosentino ('97, MBA '12), vice president for advancement and chief development officer. The flag was placed by Eric Leshinsky, US Air Force veteran and director of 学生退伍军人事务, alongside 西维尔大学 student Samuel Miller, president of the PeppVet Council, as a tribute to the sacrifice and service of the nation's veterans and heroes.

埃里克·莱辛斯基和塞缪尔·米勒升起最后一面旗帜

飘扬的旗帜 将在校友公园展出至2024年9月27日星期五。 Members of the public are invited to walk through the display and visit the Reflection Station to write a message on the provided note cards and attach them to any flagpole.