On our drive their it was windy and raining....but these kids just kept on reading. So cute!
After that scary night in the walmart parking lot we got up and headed to Oklahoma City.
It was early and the kids were still sleeping. As we arrived at the Oklahoma City Memorial the kids were still in their PJ's. It was windy outside and I just didn't feel like getting anyone ready...So we pretty much went straight out of bed ha!
Seems hard to believe that the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, OK killing 168 people and injuring 500 will be 15 years ago this coming April 19th.
We explained to the kids what we were taking them to go see. Since the Memorial is a state park they had a Jr. Ranger program for the kids which helps in teaching them all about what happened.
some of the original building...
The Ranger that day took his time teaching the kids and answering all their questions. After finishing their booklets they got another patch to add to their road jackets.
All The memorials on the Walls
There were 30 children orphaned as a result of the bombing...
Here is the First Wall of the memorial...
As you can see there is a message on this side and on the opposite side is the time 9:01... At the far end there is an identical wall that says 9:03... Before and after the bombing.
The reflecting pool
Chairs for all the Victims. The small chairs are for the children. Also there are 5 chairs to the side of these for the 5 people who were killed outside the building.
A Message from a rescue worker they left painted on the wall .....
There was a 'Survivors Tree' that used to be in the middle of a parking lot and after the bomb it was in the middle of many burning cars but still survived. (you can see a part of it on the right side of this picture.)
I love what the wall said around the Survivor Tree.
The spirit of this city and this nation will not be defeated, our deeply rooted faith sustains us.
Here is the statue facing the Memorial. Powerful...
And Jesus wept...
8 comments:
WOW!!! Those are powerful photos. I'm glad you posted this. I honestly forgot about it. Thanks for reminding me.
Wow... I cannot believe that was 15years ago already. Thank you for the reminder of so many lives lost and so many people affected.
I played in Oklahoma City in the Women's College Softball World Series about a month after it happened and you couldn't get too close but the buildings all down the street had windows knocked out. I went another year later and there were tons of notes, flowers and stuff left on a fence that surrounded the area. And have been back with my family to the Memorial when it was built with Jake. USA Softball headquarters are in OKC so I've been there a lot.
So glad you made it to our wonderful state of Oklahoma! Sorry you came during bad weather. I'm sure visiting the Memorial was a great experience for you. It's never easy to go to, but everyone should. I hope you also got to experience some other great things in Oklahoma! IF not, come back and visit another time. most people think it's just a small state, but we're packed with history. If you visited any other places in OK please share!
Amy D
I am so glad you guys got to see it, wasnt it a powerful place?
Great photos.
Thank you for sharing this with us. My cousin died that day in the bombing. He worked on the first floor of the building. I have never been able to travel there to see the memorial, I appreciate you sharing it with everyone.
Blessings
Diane
wow!! 15 years ago already. i was only in 6th grade and remember it quite well. thanks for sharing the pictures. and enjoy cali!!
One of my best friends lives in OKC and we're definitely planning a few trips back up that way. We'll definitely have to check out the Memorial next time we are there. Glad you guys made it through the rough weather! <3 you!
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