One moment took the breath of God out of the lungs of a nation as a deliberate act of domestic terrorism was etched forever in our memories the shock and aftermath of destruction. April 19, 2025, marks the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing — a spring morning in 1995, a truck loaded with explosives parked outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City detonated at 9:02 a.m., killing 168 people, including 19 children, and injuring hundreds more. Americans united in grief, resolve and, resilience, as the powerful images of that day was across newspapers and televisions, captivating us in heartache, then in a purpose of love, as first responder and community came together in unprecedented action.
In the three decades since the bombing, Oklahoma City has transformed the site of the attack. It is home to the Oklahoma City National Memorial, a serene space with 168 empty chairs, each representing a life lost. Nineteen of those chairs are smaller, for the young children who died in in the daycare that day. At night, the chairs are illuminated in tribute to all that was lost that day and the days following the event. Faithful survivors, families of victims, first responders, and community members gather for a remembrance ceremonies, many talking about how they have turned their pain into purpose. Through their words and action, they have changed how the federal government approaches domestic terrorism and building security. In schools, students learn about the tragedy. In homes and churches, stories of bravery and healing will never be forgotten. The Oklahoma Bombing memorial President & CEO Kari Watkins quoted online “Our community, state and nation were forever changed on April 19, 1995. As the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum reflects on the impact of that day 30 years ago, it continues its work to bring light to darkness.” as they kicked off a month of events in remembrance.
Locally in reflection thirty years later, the Bristow Historical Society will have local first hand accounts, newspaper articles and other exhibits at the Bristow Train Depot and Museum. An opening ceremony will be held at 10 am, but the museum will be open hours for visitors to explore the exhibits. More can be found on their website or Facebook page.