Why we must remember the Oklahoma City bombing

The Survivor Tree, an American elm, survived the blast and is part of the Memorial.What was once an ignored, unassuming urban tree is now an iconic symbol of hope.

the reflecting pool and memorial chairs at the Oklahoma City Memorial

At 9:02 am April 19, 1995 a bomb exploded at the Murrah Federal Buidling in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, destroying one side of the building, damaging several adjacent buildings, injuring 680 people and killing 168 people, including 19 children.

Until September 11, 2001, it was the deadliest terrorist attack on United States soil; it remains the worst domestic terrorist attack.

A memorial and museum now stand in silent tribute and remembrance.

  • gold memorial chairs surrounded by trees at the Oklahoma National Memorial
  • window at the Oklahoma City bombing museum

The Reflecting Pool and Field of Empty Chairs; the museum entrance, and window overlooking the memorial

a chainlink fence with mementos-girl photo, teeshirts, wreaths, flag, toy
a chainlink fence with mementos-stuffed dog, wreath, photo, plaque

sections of the chainlink fence where visitors have left mementos

a chainlink fence with mementos-wreath, photo, flag, ball cap

We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity.

mission statement of the memorial and museum

sections of the original building left as they were immediately after the bombing

There is chair for each person who died that day, 168.

The Survivor Tree, an American elm, survived the blast and is part of the Memorial.

What was once an ignored, unassuming urban tree is now an iconic symbol of hope.

museum website
at a church across the street
"We seek for the truth, we seek justice"
words written on the remaining wall of the Journal Record Building, also damaged that day

Tiles painted by children all over the country, gifted to the museum, and displayed at the museum entrance.

The 9:03 Gate

The 9:01 Gate

The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum

The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is privately funded. The memorial is free and open to the public. An admission is charged to tour the museum.

The Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) organization which owns and operates the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

It does not receive any annual operating funds from the federal, state or local government.

sharing the HEART of remembering those we have lost to violence

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Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

I am a family physician who explores the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, and through writing. On my blog, Watercress Words, I inform and inspire us in healthy living. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me.

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