OKC Standard

This week, Senator James Lankford and Congresswoman Stephanie Bice organized a ceremony to dedicate a Commemorative Survivor Tree at the U.S. Capitol. This tree, a descendant of the original Survivor Tree, was planted to honor the 168 victims and recognize the survivors, rescuers, and those affected by the Oklahoma City bombing that happened 30 years ago on April 19, 1995. The event was attended by members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation, representatives from the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, and individuals directly impacted by the bombing.

Senator Lankford stated, “We still feel the pain and loss of April 19, 1995. Each year, we remember the 168 lives lost, those who survived, those who were changed forever, and the heroes who ran toward the devastation.” He added, “The Survivor Tree endured the blast and became our symbol of hope. Thirty years later, a ‘child’ of the Survivor Tree now stands each day at our nation’s Capitol. The living memorial honors the legacy of those we lost and reminds the country of the strength, resilience, and compassion that define the Oklahoma Standard.”

Congresswoman Bice commented on the historical importance of the bombing and the response it generated, stating, “The Alfred P. Murrah Building Bombing changed Oklahoma and our nation forever. In the aftermath of this tragic event, the state and city came together creating the Oklahoma Standard.” She added, “Planting a sapling of the Survivor Tree, which is a symbol of hope and resilience for our community, on the Capitol Grounds is an immense honor.”

Senator Mullin emphasized the tragic impact of the event by saying, “Nearly 30 years ago, 168 beautiful souls were taken from our community in a horrific tragedy. We will never forget those that we lost and the loved ones they left behind.”

Echoing the sentiments about strength and unity, Congressman Cole stated, “On April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City was struck by an unconscionable act of domestic terrorism, shocking the world. 168 precious lives were senselessly taken and hundreds more were left injured and heartbroken. Today, we honor and remember those lives taken, grieve with the families who mourn, and stand strong with our fellow Oklahomans.”

“The resilience of Oklahomans in the aftermath of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing has always inspired me. This commemorative tree on the grounds of our nation’s Capitol is symbolic of that strength and the hope that endures in Oklahoma,” said Congressman Hern.

Congressman Lucas observed, “This is an important anniversary to remember, not just for the sheer tragedy of the day, but also for the overwhelming unity that Oklahomans displayed in the aftermath.” He expressed gratitude to Congresswoman Bice for making the event possible.

Congressman Brecheen spoke about the significance of the commemorative tree, saying, “As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, I am honored to stand with my colleagues in the Oklahoma delegation as we dedicate this tree to all those affected on that devastating day.”

Kari Watkins, President and CEO of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, stated, “A tiny seed grown from the Memorial’s Survivor Tree stands as a testament that this seedling will spread its roots and grow at the United States Capitol marking both memory and time.”

Dr. Susan Chambers, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, shared, “We are so honored to plant this Survivor Tree at the United States Capitol as a symbol of people coming and working together to find common ground.”

The tree planting marks the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history, serving as a tribute to the victims and reminding the nation of resilience, unity, and hope.

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