On the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, former President Bill Clinton returned to honor the victims and comfort those affected by the tragic event. The bombing, which occurred on April 19, 1995, killed 168 individuals, including 19 children. Clinton, who was president at the time, delivered a keynote speech at a memorial ceremony held near the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum, reflecting on the nation’s commitment to healing and the memory of those lost.
He highlighted the importance of unity and service in the face of adversity, echoing the resilient spirit of Oklahoma City, often referred to as “Oklahoma standards.” Clinton also cautioned against the current polarized political climate, linking it to the potential for violence as seen in the past. Other speakers at the event included former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating and former Mayor Ron Norick, while family members of the victims read the names of the deceased.
Due to inclement weather, the ceremony was relocated from the monument grounds to a nearby church. Following the event, attendees proceeded to an outdoor memorial featuring the names of the victims and symbolic chairs representing those who were killed. The memorial’s aim is to educate future generations about the consequences of political violence, as noted by Kari Watkins, the president and CEO of the monument.
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