Each year, Pepperdine University fills its green hillside on PCH with 2,977 American flags, to commemorate the victims of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. The vision of thousands of flags flapping in unison in the sea breeze is beautiful, inspiring, and memorable, and can be a great way to introduce the idea of a 9/11 memorial to children. There is nothing explicit – just rows upon rows of flags – so parents can explain as they deem appropriate. Either way, the image makes an impact. And wandering between the vast number of flags on the windy hillside is a novel outing, with or without explanation.

A memorial service takes place in the school’s Heroes Garden on September 9 at 12pm.

The flags go up September 10 this year and stay up until September 26. A group of 150 volunteers are gathering at 1pm on Saturday to begin putting up the flags.

How to get there: 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90263 [map]