My husband was in a high school classroom, about 3o miles from the Murrah Federal Building. At 9:02am, the class heard a loud rumble, like thunder. He asked if he could go outside to see if there was a storm, as their classroom didn't have windows outside for tornado safety. To his surprise, he walked outside to a beautiful clear sky, warm spring morning. 
Several minutes later, someone came over the speaker system announcing what had taken place. Coincidentally or divine intervention, the school had scheduled a blood drive for that day. They decided to close school to allow the community to come donate blood, which they did by the hundreds. 
168 deaths. 19 children. 5 pedestrians who happend to be outside the building at the time. Over 600 others injured.
The Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial is a sacred place. It is a place to remember what pure terrorism is, and the strength the United States of America has. The strength of our local communities, the willingness to give, even our lives.
2 comments:
In an additional comment, I find it extremely offensive to hear those in the media, or even former President Bill Clinton, make comments inferring that the tea party movement or talk radio promotes the type of violent behavior and serial killer mentality that Timothy McVea and Terry Nichols harbored. That those who are outspoken in their opposition to this administration are somehow creating a hostile environment where another Oklahoma City Bombing could take place.
How is it that WE are the ones who's blood was spilt. WE are the ones who had hundreds of injured. WE are the ones who spent thousands of man hours searchng for survivors then demolishing the devestating destruction caused by the truck bomb. WE are the ones who commemorate this horrific event each year. Yet, these same Oklahoman's attend tea parties by the thousands just several miles from the memorial site! Yet, these same Oklahoman's listen to talk radio, watch Fox News, vote Conservative, and are outspoken in politica discussions. If anyone in the entire nation would be extremely sensitive to violence promoting propaganda and rhetoric, it would be OKLAHOMANS! Don't you dare disgrace our memory to promote your political agenda.
I was in the same school your husband was and too thought it was a storm. That day forever changed my life and the way I think about things. It makes me so frustrated to hear people talk about the bombing as a way to further their political agenda. It sickens me. Thank you for your comments.
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