Pepperdine's Annual Waves of Flags Display Continues a Tradition of Remembrance
For 16 years visitors from around the world have ventured to the massive Waves of Flags installation to honor the 2,977 lives lost during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The display, located along the Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road, features a vast array of American flags, each representing an American life lost, as well as international flags symbolizing the home countries of the victims from abroad.
Moved by the enormity of this tragedy, visitors often feel emotional as they walk through the sea of flags, offering silent prayers and condolences for the victims and their families, while also sharing their thoughts by writing messages of hope and healing on note cards provided by the University at the entrance of the flag display. Visitors are then invited to attach the note cards to the flagpoles as a tribute to the life lost.
Visit the Waves of Flags University Newsroom story to learn more about the history of the display and the broader impact it has had on the Pepperdine community and beyond.