Photo by Alexander Hayes

Heroes Garden was intended as a place of reflection, prayer and thought. This year’s 9/11 memorial prayer service was a reflection and build-up of just that purpose.

Community members gathered at  the garden Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. for a prayer service remembering the victims of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

The service was brief and included a prayer, scripture and a time of silence, according to University Chaplain Dave Lemley. A memorial wreath was placed in the garden     reflecting pool and a first-responder’s interview about his experiences that day was read.

“The Heroes Garden provides a space where we can reflect on God’s constant presence and care through whatever we face in life,” Lemley said. “It is a wonderful place to commemorate our national observance of 9/11, when we remember both the historic tragedy and triumph of spirit we witnessed on that date.”

Pepperdine’s involvement in remembering 9/11 has brought many people around the area to admire the sea of flags and attend the prayer service. The relationship between the Pepperdine community and the 9/11 terrorist attack is very close.

“Many in our community have personal connections to the tragic events of that day, people in our community who continue to carry the trauma of those events or personal losses they still grieve,” Lemley said. “A passenger on United 93, Graziadio alumnus Thomas E. Burnett (MBA ’95) was one of the civilians that acted to prevent their hijackers from reaching their target. Last year, Pepperdine rededicated the site of our service the Thomas E. Burnett Jr. Heroes Garden. We are also proud of event co-sponsors, the Department of Public Safety, the men and women who are Pepperdine’s front line of emergency responders.”

Beyond the flags, the prayer service is held “each year to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of 9/11 responders, and pray for those who continue to grieve the losses of that day,” Lemley said. People from all over the campus were involved in the service. The event was co-sponsored by the Chaplain’s Office and the Department of Public Safety. President Andrew K. Benton, representatives from two of the Malibu campus schools and Seaver SGA President Christine Myers were also part of the service.

This will be the 12th anniversary of the prayer service. Years later, people are still remembering the courage and tragedy of 9/11.

“For some of us and our communities, there is still healing to do, and we can honor this by holding this annual service to remember and ask God’s help,” Lemley said. “We also have the unique opportunity at Pepperdine because of the Thomas E. Burnett Jr. Heroes Garden, to honor those who acted sacrificially on behalf of others, remembering the call of God to each of us to love others with our lives. I’m grateful that this is part of the rhythm of our life here, representing our willingness to walk with those who grieve and live for those in need.”