Tag: Survivor Tree

How we 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.

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.

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

The Survivor Tree

sharing the HEARTS of those we have lost to violence

Dr. Aletha

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I will never forget the Oklahoma City bombing

On April 19, 1995, a devastating bombing occurred at the Federal building in Oklahoma City, claiming 168 lives. This tragedy united the community as many selflessly assisted in rescue efforts. A memorial and museum now honor the victims, serving as a poignant reminder of that day’s impact, especially on the 30th anniversary.

updated April 18, 2025

On April 19, 1995 I was seeing patients in my family practice office in Tulsa Oklahoma when my medical assistant told me a bomb had exploded in Oklahoma City, 90 miles away.

We didn’t have computers or cell phones so I turned on a radio. The words I heard shocked and saddened me.

It was true. A massive bomb had exploded at the Federal building in downtown Oklahoma City, something I thought only happened overseas.

Who would bomb a building in Oklahoma?

at the entrance to the memorial museum, artwork done by local schoolchildren is displayed on a brick wall

That day in Oklahoma City showed some of the best in our state and our country as people, some with no training, risked their lives to help rescue people who were injured and trapped inside.

Firefighters and police came from all over the United States to help. People donated food and first aid supplies. I was proud to be an Oklahoman then and now, and still grieve for the loss we sustained that day.

Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum

Today a beautiful memorial and museum stands at the site of the rubble where 168 people died-employees, visitors, children. When you visit Oklahoma, don’t miss seeing this moving tribute to their memory. You will never feel the same.

window at the Oklahoma City bombing museum
Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
gold memorial chairs by reflecting pool
At the reflecting pool stand 168 gold chairs, honoring the dead

Cover Image

I took the cover image of the Survivor Tree.

“Before the bombing, the tree was important because it provided the only shade in the downtown parking lot. People would arrive early to work just to be able to park under the shade of the tree’s branches.

On April 19, 1995, the tree was almost chopped down in order to recover pieces of evidence that hung from its branches after a 4,000 pound bomb that killed 168 and injured hundreds exploded just yards away.”

Continue reading the tree’s history at this link.

In this post, I wrote more about the event.

Remembering the Oklahoma City bombing April 19, 1995

April 19  is the anniversary of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, which remains the deadliest domestic “homegrown” terrorist incident in the United States. I lived there in the 1970s while in medical school and residency at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center and visit frequently. These are…

Keep reading

sharing the HEART of health

Thank you for remembering the Oklahoma City bombing with me on the 30th anniversary. I took the photos in this post during one of my visits to the site.

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you turn health challenges into health opportunities.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha