One of our first nights in Oklahoma we went downtown to the bombing memorial.  Unfortunately, we arrived after the inside museum had closed, but, we were fortunate to have access to the outside memorial.  We even lucked out!  As we arrived a park ranger was about to give a talk and discuss the memorial.

 

While I wasn’t sure what to expect, the memorial itself was very well done.  Having not been there, it is hard to explain how powerful the memorial itself is.  Artistically, it is very well presented, tasteful and respectful. 

Outside the memorial people still leave memorabilia for the victims of the bombsite...many of them were children located in a daycare on the second floor.

The chairs represent the lives lost in the bombing.  As you walk through you notice there are small chairs and large chairs.  The small chairs represent the children who died in the daycare center that day.  Each chair is inscribed with the victims name, and some remind us that not only were the living killed, but the unborn as well.

The rows of chairs represent which floor the people were on who were killed.  The second row has the most little chairs since that is where the daycare was located.  At night the chairs are lit from below and the names are clearly read.

Below, the survivor tree for those who survived the blast. It is an American Elm tree that survived the blast and is a symbol of the human resilience following the blast on April 19, 1995

 

The Jr. Ranger Program

When we arrived Ranger Stephanie was about to give a talk about the memorial.  While the explanation was a bit elementary, it had a book that had some great learning activities inside.  All the kids participated and earned their jr. badges.  However, no one was as proud of their badge as Cade!!

Taking the oath…

Earning the badge

While the images of what happened on this spot were upsetting to some of the children it was important for them to realize that the freedoms of our country can be threatened by people right here on American soil.  Teaching them respect for those lost and how to show respect for people and families who have been touched by this tragedy was an important part of this outing.  The memorial was very powerful, and I am glad I included it in my things to see in Oklahoma.  I think it is a place all people young and old should try to see if they find themselves out that way. 

Across the street is St Frances Church.  It was the building that originally stood in the spot where the Oklahoma City bombing occurred.  Across the street this statue of St Frances stood. 

“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.”