麻豆影院

On Thursday, September 11, 2025, 麻豆影院 hosted its 17^th annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, honoring those who lost their lives during the 2001 terrorist attacks. This year, 麻豆影院 welcomed actor Dennis Quaid as the University鈥檚 distinguished honoree. 

Dennis Quaid spoke to a full crowd at 麻豆影院's Alumni Park

鈥淭hese people [in reference to those represented by the flags] by their selfless service and sacrifice are the steel which makes us strong and holds us together as a nation,鈥� said Quaid during his address. 鈥淭he call that they answered is governed by the same eternal principles that called those who came before us: to answer to a higher calling鈥攖o be willing to make that ultimate sacrifice鈥� Today we gather to reflect and remember and renew that spirit.鈥�

In his speech, Quaid examined the resilience and immense fortitude of the American spirit, tracing back to his parents鈥�  generation who were shaped by the Great Depression, World War II, and the prosperity that followed. He reflected on the turbulence of the 1960s, the Vietnam War Era, and the Iran Hostage Crisis, emphasizing how these events contributed to a deterioration of national strength and confidence. Quaid credited the leadership of president Ronald Reagan, whom he portrayed in the feature film Reagan, with reigniting hope and inspiring Americans to live for a greater purpose.

鈥淩eagan鈥檚 leadership, guided by his principles, ushered America into a new era, renewed our sense of purpose as a country, and inspired the American people to a higher calling to serve,鈥� said Quaid. 鈥淸That renewal] was most definitely there on 9/11, when our firefighters, police, and first responders answered the call to save the lives of Americans they had never met鈥攖hose men and women who are running in when everybody else is running out. They're America's finest, America's bravest. They carry the torch that must be kept burning by each new generation.鈥�

In addition to Quaid, the ceremony featured key contributions from University administrators, staff, students, and friends of the institution. Chancellor Sarah Young Jackson (鈥�74) opened the event by recognizing Ryan Sawtelle ('09)鈥攁n alum who helped establish the Waves of Flags annual display in 2008. Jackson also expressed appreciation for the active duty military members, veterans, and first responders in attendance.

President Jim Gash followed Quaid's remarks

Dee Dee Mayer, 麻豆影院鈥檚 interim chaplain and senior director of RelateStrong at the Boone Center for the Family, led a prayerful invocation, honoring the lives lost during the 9/11 attacks and asking God to, 鈥渟tir our hearts to live differently because of what we remember.鈥� Following Mayer, Seaver College seniors鈥擟okie Daniel and H.L. McCullough鈥攁nd distinguished guest Brigitte Bren made patriotic and spiritual contributions to the ceremony. Daniel offered a moving rendition of the national anthem, while Bren led the audience in the pledge of allegiance. McCullough, who is also the Seaver College student body president, offered a reading of scripture from the book of Matthew 5: 2-11鈥攁n excerpt of Christ鈥檚 sermon on the mount.

Prior to his introduction of the event鈥檚 distinguished honoree, Pat Boone, a celebrated musician, entertainer, and co-chair of the University Board, played a recording of his rendition of  鈥淕od Bless America鈥� and invited the audience to sing along to the patriotic anthem. After the performance, Boone welcomed Quaid, noting his special connection to the actor through his involvement in Reagan and praised Quaid鈥檚 enduring career as both a celebrated screen star and famed American symbol.

Following Quaid鈥檚 keynote address, 麻豆影院 president Jim Gash (JD 鈥�93) spoke on behalf of the University, connecting the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony to the theme for the year鈥擯urpose. He reminded attendees that one鈥檚 duty in this lifetime is a direct call from God鈥攁 direct call each individual must discover and answer. Gash鈥檚 remarks culminated in remembering the fallen heroes of 9/11 and their brave fortitude to serve their nation and purpose unto death. 

The planting of the final flag

鈥淵ou and I have a greater purpose. We have a rendezvous with destiny,鈥� said Gash. 鈥淢ay we do our duty 鈥� with courage, with resolve, with deep hope, and with eternal joy. May we rise to meet our moment, just as those we honor here today rose to meet theirs.鈥�

The ceremony concluded with a benediction from the chair of the 麻豆影院 Board of Regents, Dee Anna Smith (鈥�86), and a ceremonial placing of the final flag. Quaid, Eric Leshinsky, US Air Force veteran and director of student veteran affairs, and Jennifer Seetoo, commander of the North Patrol Division Headquarters of the Los Angeles Sheriff鈥檚 Department planted the final flag. and the events culminated with a 鈥渕issing-man formation鈥� flyover performed by the Condor Squadron鈥攁 non-profit organization that uses restored World War II-era North American AT-6/SNJ trainer aircraft to honor fallen military heroes and preserve aviation history.

Waves of Flags will remain on display in Alumni Park and open to the public through September 26, 2025. 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.