The Oklahoma City National Memorial is the infamous location of the April 19, 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building which took 168 lives and changed the city’s history forever. At the time this was the worst terrorist attack to take place on American soil and not only destroyed the Federal Building but also damaged 300 nearby buildings.
The memorial honors the 168 victims with empty chairs lined in a row for every life taken including nineteen smaller chairs for the children who died. The bronze Gates of Time remember the exact moment of the bombing at 9:02am and marks the formal entrance to the memorial. A reflecting pool helps to soothe wounds with its calming sounds.
You can also visit the adjacent Oklahoma City National Museum which pays tribute to the victims, survivors, and rescuers recounting that fateful day and following days with exhibitions and news footage that document the tragic event. The museum is open Monday to Saturday 9am – 6pm and Sunday 1pm – 6pm.
