The Oklahoma City bombing
The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building: Not many remember this place. I was disappointed in our local media and national media because as the date 4/19 came and went only a brief mention of this location was made on such a milestone day. I did not see any references on our local paper, yet this place should not be forgotten. I made the trek there in past December and walked in the cold and winds to be humbled and reflect in my soul the importance of this hallowed ground.
April 19, 1995, was the date, but 9:01 is written on that black granite doorway as you enter this memorial. Turn around and 9:02 is written on the opposite side written along with “in a minute our lives changed forever.”
I talk of the Oklahoma bombing, something is as important to remember as the bombing of the World Trade Center on 9/11. This act of violence — the largest domestic terrorist act –changed our lives as we knew it that morning.
The explosion killed 168, many of them children. Some may remember the child covered in blood carried by a firefighter from the rubble. That picture was seen around the world.
That is the day we all learned how much evil was in our society, and at the same time, how much compassion and humanity our country is capable of.
On the site is the Survivor Tree, a tree that survived the bombing, one that many first responders stood under while working on that site.
The Oklahoma Standard is hosting a website to mark the 20th anniversary of this tragedy. I encourage everyone to post memories if you have them, or simply show kindness for others. As that bomb destroyed lives, this act can change lives for the better. Go to the sites okstandard.org to be a part of this.
Pauline Redmond
Columbus
Editor’s note: The Dispatch published a Leonard Pitts column about the Oklahoma City bombing on Sunday, the 20th anniversary of the bombing, and a news story about the memorial celebration on the following day.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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