On our recent trip to Oklahoma for my grandfather's funeral, we decided to visit the Oklahoma City Memorial. I had visited the outside, but not the inside. I don't believe they allow pictures inside; even if they did, I think it would be disrespectful. 9:02 a.m.: The bomb inside the truck exploded, taking out more than a third of the Federal building. 9:03 a.m.: The "moment we were changed forever, and the hope that came from the horror in the moments and days following the bombing." Above: The reflecting pool. Below: The Field of Empty Chairs. The chairs reflect the 168 lives that were lost. Each bears the name of a person. The smaller chairs represent the children that died. Below: The Survivor Tree, an American Elm that withstood the astounding brutality of the explosion. The tree is revered and continues to thrive to this day as a representation that life does indeed go on. To the innocent people who lost their lives, to their family, their friends, their coworkers; to the brave volunteers and rescue workers who risked life and limb in order to locate every missing person; to the courageous rescue dogs, including many Labrador retrievers who suffered burns, cut paws, and smoke inhalation, but served as tireless workers in the scope of the tragedy: I'm so, so sorry.
If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend a visit to the Memorial. For more information: Oklahoma City National Memorial "We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity."
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