Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum embraces hope

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The Oklahoma City National Memorial, honoring the victims of the worst domestic terrorist attack in American history.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial, honoring the victims of the worst domestic terrorist attack in American history.

The Oklahoma Water Resource Board convened a standard meeting at 9 a.m. April 19, 1995. No one knew that in less than a minute lives would be lost and others would be changed forever. At 9:01, a large explosion rang out. The Alfred P. Murrah federal building was the site of the nation’s worst domestic terrorist attack, killing 168 people and injuring scores more.

Today, a national memorial and museum stand at the site. Refusing to have it be a story about their suffering, the city’s people took the horrible act and turned it into a story of hope. The museum tells the story of a city’s hope – from the devastation to embracing growth and future – in 10 chapters. The first area of a museum tour is called “A Day like any Other Day.” The morning started in a routine manner, with meetings and calls taking place about 9.

Murrah federal building sign.
Remnants of the Murrah federal building sign.

Then, following the explosion, the exhibits look at rescuing the survivors and recovering the victims. Survivors did everything they could for rescuers to know their location, including creating and displaying a sign. In looking at the mangled items on display, it’s difficult to comprehend how someone can commit a violent act, putting their political beliefs above others.

A mangled day planner from the federal building.
A mangled day planner from the federal building.

As firefighters, police and other people worked to rescue people, the American news media quickly announced the terror. I recall standing in a breakroom at a former company watching in shock as news anchors Tom Brokaw, Peter Jennings and Dan Rather broke the news over the airwaves, while CNN and other cable news channels shared information.

National newscasts on wall of TVs
International news coverage.

The museum features a variety of gifts sent to the city from around the world as tokens of love and appreciation. From teddy bears to ribbons, people supported the victims and residents.

A teddy bear donated in support of victims and survivors
A symbol of support from fellow Americans.

A gallery honors the bombing victims in a gallery featuring photos and personal mementos. I couldn’t get past looking at a young boy, under the age of 5, with action figures and toy cars included at his spot.

Gallery of Honor, recognizing the 168 victims of the bombing.
Gallery of Honor, recognizing the 168 victims of the bombing.

Routine traffic stop captures McVeigh

As events unfolded, McVeigh made his escape from the scene in an old Mercury auto. As he drove northbound on Interstate 35, Oklahoma state trooper Charlie Hanger noticed the car didn’t have a tag on its license plate. The veteran law enforcement officer pulled over the car, unknowingly capturing the killer. It turned out that McVeigh also had a handgun is his possession. He was arrested and later charged with federal crimes. He was executed a few years later. Terry Nichols, his accomplice, is serving a life sentence without parole in federal prison.

The car driven by Timothy McVeigh when he was pulled over on Interstate 35.
The car driven by Timothy McVeigh when he was pulled over on Interstate 35.

Before heading off to Oklahoma City, McVeigh stayed at the Dreamland Motel near Junction City, Kansas. The museum features personal items belonging to McVeigh, including a T-shirt he wore at the time of his arrest. McVeigh’s court trial and post-conviction information are also shared at the museum.

The motel sign and room door of where McVeigh stayed before heading to OKC.
The motel sign and room door of where McVeigh stayed before heading to OKC.

Near the end of the two-floor tour of the story, visitors are asked to watch a video discussing the importance of personal responsibility, as well as a look at hope. Oklahoma City has grown from the debris that lined the area to a major city, with the Devon Energy skyscraper standing prominently in the downtown skyline. A pro basketball team calls the city home. There is ongoing construction and development citywide. Yet, people refuse to forget April 19, 1995, and the awful days that ensued.

Oklahoma City's skyline
A look at OKC’s skyline today.

Lisa and I have visited the national memorial multiple times, and each time sends a shiver down our spine, knowing that someone could be so horrible toward his fellow citizens. However, this was the first time we visited the national museum. While it was emotional to see the wreckage, it impressed us that Oklahoma City refused to let that act define it. We believe a visit to pay respects at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is a must when visiting the area.

For additional information, please visit www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org.

Disclaimer: While visiting the national memorial is free, we thank Oklahoma City CVB for the complimentary tickets to the museum. However, all opinions and views are ours.