The Oklahoma City National Memorial is a solemn and poignant tribute to the victims of the tragic bombing that occurred on April 19, 1995. Located in the heart of Oklahoma City, this memorial serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of domestic terrorism on our nation.
The memorial is designed to honor the 168 people who lost their lives in the bombing, including 19 children who were in the building's daycare center. The centerpiece of the memorial is the Reflecting Pool, which is flanked by two large bronze gates that represent the time before and after the bombing. The gates are inscribed with the time of the bombing, 9:02 AM, and the time of the rescue and recovery efforts, 9:03 PM.
The Field of Empty Chairs is another powerful feature of the memorial. This field is made up of 168 empty chairs, each one representing a victim of the bombing. The chairs are arranged in nine rows to represent the nine floors of the building that was destroyed in the attack.
Visitors to the memorial can also explore the Survivor Tree, a 100-year-old American Elm that survived the bombing and has become a symbol of resilience and hope. The tree is surrounded by a circular wall that is inscribed with the names of the survivors and the rescuers who worked tirelessly to save lives in the aftermath of the attack.
Overall, the Oklahoma City National Memorial is a moving and powerful tribute to the victims of the bombing and a reminder of the importance of coming together in times of tragedy. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Oklahoma City.
Hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM,
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM,
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM,
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM,
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM,
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM,
Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM