OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Former President Bill Clinton made a poignant return to Oklahoma City on Saturday, marking the 30th anniversary of the deadliest homegrown attack in U.S. history. The tragic event unfolded on April 19, 1995 when a truck bomb rocked the city, resulting in the destruction of a nine-story federal building in downtown Oklahoma City. Clinton, who was president at the time, delivered a touching keynote address at a remembrance ceremony near the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.
Deemed a pivotal moment during his presidency, Clinton reflected on the profound impact of the bombing that claimed the lives of 168 individuals, including 19 children. Recalling his visit just days after the tragedy, Clinton emphasized the resilience of the city and its people, pledging unwavering support from the nation: “You have lost too much, but you have not lost everything. You have certainly not lost America, and we will be with you for as many tomorrows as it takes.”
During his speech, Clinton drew parallels between the divisiveness prevalent in modern-day politics and the tragic events that unfolded in Oklahoma City three decades ago. He urged the nation to embrace the “Oklahoma Standard,” a principle that champions unity through service, honor, and kindness.
Joining Clinton on the memorial stage were former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating and former Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick, who both played pivotal roles in leading the city through the aftermath of the bombing. Family members of the victims solemnly read the names of the 168 individuals lost in the attack, honoring their memory.
Despite heavy rains forcing the ceremony indoors, attendees were led by bagpipe players from the Oklahoma City Fire Department to the outdoor memorial situated on the grounds where the federal building once stood. The poignant memorial features 168 empty chairs of glass, bronze, and stone, each etched with the names of those who perished. Notably, 19 smaller chairs symbolize the innocent children lost in the tragedy.
As the memorial continues to serve as a beacon of remembrance and reflection, Kari Watkins, the memorial’s president and CEO, emphasized its critical role in educating future generations about the devastating impact of political violence. “We knew when we built this place we would someday reach a generation of people who weren’t born or who didn’t remember the story. I think now, not just kids are coming through more and more, but teachers who are teaching those kids,” Watkins noted.