How we remember the Oklahoma City bombing

At 9:02 am April 19, 1995 a bomb exploded at the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, destroying the front 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.

ABOVE: 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

the chainlink fence displays mementos

a chainlink fence with mementos-stuffed dog, wreath, photo, plaque

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 as they were immediately after the bombing, left standing as a reminder of the violence

There is a 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

a statue of Christ, hand covering His face — Jesus grieving 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 from all over the country, gifted to the museum, and displayed at the outside 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 that 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 HEARTS of those we have lost to violence

Dr. Aletha

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Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. 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. View all posts by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.