Oklahoma – watercress words by Dr Aletha

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.

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

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

a statue of Christ, hand covering His face — 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 ntrance.

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

Oklahoma, the Sooner State

Here’s an introduction to my home state and my alma mater, the University of Oklahoma.

Taken together, Oklahoma Sooners reflects our state’s American Indian and pioneer heritage and, today, symbolizes a special university spirit that values resilience and perseverance as well as the inclusivity that unites all who are a part of the University of Oklahoma family.

Learn more at this link-

What is a Sooner?

on the campus of the University of Oklahoma,

“A Sooner Covered Wagon”

The artist-Tom K Simms

Mr. Simms graduated from the school of fine arts at the University of Oklahoma, majoring in sculpture and painting. He was a star performer on the Sooner track team, and set the Big Six record in the high jump and high hurdles. He also ran the mile, low hurdles and did the broad jump.

He was selected as one of the most promising students in the university, to do a sculptural design for a gateway presented by his class to the university. (info not confirmed, source newspapers.com)