April 19, 1995. 30 years ago today.
I never thought that I would live here 30 years ago when news of a bombing came over WBZ AM 1030 in my mom’s minivan. We had just gotten back in after shopping at Ames. It was April vacation. Seeing the devastation on the news and then learning about so many stories in the days, months and years after really sticks with you.
Living here now, you can still feel the impact of that day. Everyone has a story. The Oklahoma Standard is real. You see it every time there is a storm or fire. Without hesitation, people are there within hours.
I can’t help but think about the youngest victims, the children who were at daycare when evil parked the truck outside. They would be 30 today. It is a miracle that six children survived and are all doing well today.
I’ve only been outside the memorial. I will be going in the next few weeks when things calm down a bit between the events leading up to this milestone anniversary as well as next week’s Memorial Marathon.
If you want to learn more about the event, message me. I can give you a few recommendations but to do so on this post is inappropriate.
Below are a few photos I took on my visit so that I can ensure I never forget this pivotal event in the country and in my new city.
The moment before the bombing
The moment after the bombing
168 chairs honoring all who died
The Survivor Tree.
The tree stood outside of the building that miraculously survived. It now overlooks the chairs and memorial pool at the entrance of the museum. It’s saplings have been given to the 9/11 Memorial, victims of Columbine and many others as a symbol of strength and resiliency.
in the world,
