Veterans, current military officers, patriotic motorcyclists, state officials and Malibu locals stood among the nearly 3,000 waving flags on Alumni Park on Sunday to memorialize and honor the fallen heroes of 9/11. From the bagpipes playing “Amazing Grace” to the roaring military flyover, a strong spirit of national pride and remembrance made its presence known on campus throughout the day.
Deena Burnett Bailey, the widow of Flight 93 hero and Pepperdine alumnus Tom Burnett, gave the main memorial address. She shared her gratitude for the American people and their grateful hearts that had helped strengthen her family’s faith and courage during the tragedy of her husband’s heroic death.
She emphasized that the crowd at Alumni Park was demonstrating the same strong American spirit epitomized 10 years ago in the heroism of Flight 93.
“I couldn’t agree more with what my mom was speaking about today,” said Burnett’s daughter, Hallie. “We would not be the people we are today without the support of people across the country like the ones here today.”
After a processional of military, fire and law enforcement personnel, some of Pepperdine’s own student service members, Army ROTC cadets Sawyer Clark, Emily Frigo, Jeffrey Jarvi and Jonathan Lancaster performed the color guard presentation.
Air Force ROTC members also attended the ceremony and were touched by the patriotic atmosphere of the speakers and crowd.
“It really validates the reasons we serve,” said Cadet Lt. Col. John Garrison, a senior. “It’s such a great reinforcement to feel at times like this, that America stands behind you in your service.”
“Days like today make me remember, among other reasons, why I joined the military in the first place,” said Cole Ryan, a sophomore Air Force ROTC cadet.
Several California state officials also contributed to the remembrance, including LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, who presented a California state resolution honoring the heroism of Tom Burnett.
Former California Gov. Gray Davis also addressed the audience about maintaining the “bright light of American resolve” and the importance of thanking service members for all that they do to protect our country. Following the memorial service, he reflected on the beauty of the ceremony and its surroundings.
“I’m so proud of Pepperdine for the ways it continues to honor the heroes of 9/11,” Davis said. “There is nothing more patriotic than an American flag, and just looking out on this site, it feels very close to God.”
The flags drew many to the lawn with their striking display. Seaver graduate 2nd Lt. Col. Darren Cinatl (2011) said he was grateful for the flag display, along with the multitude of other events that took place Sunday, including the University Church of Christ services, the reading of the victims names, the film screening of “United 93” and the memorial service.
“With this beautiful backdrop and the flags, it was a really inspiring day,” Cinatl said, “You could truly see Pepperdine’s honor to those who fell on 9/11 by the sheer number and quality of events that were put on today.”
President Andrew K. Benton concluded the speaking at the service, sharing the exact words that he prepared for the Pepperdine community 10 years ago on the day of the tragedy. He reiterated the philosopher William James’ words, emphasizing that are a “twice-born people” because of 9/11, with the opportunity to have a deeper faith and obligation to keep the memory of those who died in their hearts.
“That we may learn,” Benton said, “may we never forget.”
