Musician and Entertainer Pat Boone Reflects on the American Spirit at 2024 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
The 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Pepperdine University, held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Alumni 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 Waves of Flags display, chancellor Sara Young Jackson ('74) presided over the event, which opened with an invocation from senior vice chancellor Adrian Stevens. Seaver College 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.
Pat Boone and Sara Young Jackson
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.
“Look at these precious flags,” said Boone. “Three thousand standing in our blessed California breeze. They’re standing, but they’re speaking, too. Listen and hear these flags speak and sing of America, of God and country, and of freedoms and liberties protected for all of us. Sing, flags, sing. We’re listening, and we love you.”
President Jim Gash
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 spiritual life, 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 student veteran affairs, alongside Seaver College student Samuel Miller, president of the PeppVet Council, as a tribute to the sacrifice and service of the nation's veterans and heroes.
Eric Leshinsky and Samuel Miller place the final flag
Waves of Flags will remain on display in Alumni Park through Friday, September 27, 2024. 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.