Actor Chris Pratt Honors Victims at Pepperdine’s 9/11 Ceremony

Chris Pratt attends the Los Angeles premiere of Universal Pictures' "Jurassic World Dominion" in Hollywood, Calif., on June 6, 2022. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Actor Chris Pratt on Monday planted the last flag representing the innocent lives lost on Sept. 11 at a remembrance ceremony on the lawn at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

Pratt shared photos of himself with his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger and others at the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on his Instagram page. The observance commemorates the tragic event that occurred 22 years ago.

He spoke at the private event along with university president Jim Gash and director of Student Veteran Affairs Eric Leshinsky.

Pratt Asks for Heroes and Those Lost to Be Honored

“Today, let’s take a moment to remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. It’s a day that changed our world forever, but it also showed us the strength and resilience that define the American spirit,” Pratt wrote, noting he had the honor of planting the last flag at the university’s Waves of Flag Ceremony.

The ceremonial display, which began in 2008, returned ahead of the 22nd anniversary of 9/11. Each of the nearly 3,000 flags flying in Alumni Park, along the Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road, represent an innocent life lost on that day. They also include a national flag for each foreign country that lost a citizen in the attack.

“As we look back on the events of that fateful day, let’s remember the heroes—the firefighters, police officers, first responders, and ordinary people who risked everything to help their fellow citizens,” Pratt continued. “Let’s also pay tribute to the families who were forever changed by this tragedy. Your strength and the way you’ve come together as a community is a testament to the unbreakable bonds of love.”

As of Tuesday, his post had close to 690,000 likes.

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According to the university’s website, attendees were invited to walk through the Waves of Flags display prior to or following the ceremony to pay tribute to the lives lost with prayer and reflection.

Pratt Has Long Expressed His Patriotism

For his part, Pratt has routinely expressed his patriotism by honoring military veterans while exalting American virtues.

Specifically, in a June 15, 2021 Instagram post, the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise star wrote: “I love our flag. The Stars and Stripes represent all of us. Every American regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or political leaning is protected and free to be themselves in this great county. The banner is yours.”

“You are free to say whatever ... you want in this country,” he continued. “[What] I want to say is this: ‘I pledge allegiance to the flag of the USA. And to the republic for which it stands. One nation UNDER GOD, indivisible, with Liberty and justice for all.”

This year’s Waves of Flags display will be up until Sept. 20 and lowered by community volunteers on Sept. 21.