MALIBU, Calif. – Actor Dennis Quaid joined Pepperdine University today, September 11, 2025, in a poignant ceremony honoring the victims and heroes of the September 11th attacks, reflecting on the enduring spirit of American courage and resolve. The annual “Waves of flags” display, featuring flags representing each life lost on 9/11, served as the backdrop for the remembrance event held in Alumni Park.
The tradition, now a cornerstone of Pepperdine’s annual remembrance, underscores the importance of collective memory and continued national healing. With the display remaining open to the public through September 26, 2025, visitors are invited to engage with the exhibit and contribute personal reflections at the on-site Reflection Station. This year’s ceremony carried particular weight as the nation marked the 24th anniversary of the attacks, prompting renewed consideration of the sacrifices made and the resilience demonstrated in their aftermath.
Quaid delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of meeting challenges with ”courage, resolve, deep hope, and eternal joy,” echoing the spirit of those honored. He urged attendees to ”rise to meet our moment, just as those we honour here today rose to meet theirs.”
The ceremony concluded with a benediction from Dee Anna Smith (’86), chair of the Pepperdine University Board of Regents, and a symbolic planting of the final flag by Eric Leshinsky, a US Air Force veteran and director of student veteran affairs; Jennifer seetoo, commander of the North Patrol division Headquarters of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department; and Quaid himself. A “missing-man formation” flyover performed by the condor Squadron, utilizing restored World War II-era North American AT-6/SNJ trainer aircraft, provided a powerful visual tribute to fallen military heroes and a tribute to aviation history.
Visitors to alumni Park can explore the “Waves of Flags” display and share their thoughts by writing messages on note cards and attaching them to the flagpoles. Further details about the event and the Reflection Station is available at https://www.pepperdine.edu/newsroom/articles/pepperdines-annual-waves-of-flags-display-honors-911-victims-and-heroes-continuing-a-tradition-of-remembrance.htm.
