April 19, 2025 — Former President Bill Clinton returned to Oklahoma City today to deliver the keynote address at the 30th anniversary remembrance ceremony of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The attack, which claimed 168 lives—including 19 children—remains the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history.
Originally planned at the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the ceremony was moved indoors to First Church due to inclement weather. Clinton, who was president at the time of the bombing, reflected on the tragedy's enduring impact. He emphasized the importance of remembrance and unity in the face of domestic terrorism.
Kari Watkins, president and CEO of the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum, highlighted the memorial's mission to educate future generations about the consequences of political violence. "We knew when we built this place we would someday reach a generation of people who weren't born or who didn't remember the story," Watkins said.
The ceremony included name readings of the victims, survivor stories, and musical performances. The memorial site features 168 symbolic chairs, including 19 smaller ones representing the children who perished. The event serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the resilience of the Oklahoma City community.
In his address, Clinton stated, "The nation's eyes were there. The nation's heart was broken there." He recounted the challenges of finding the right words to comfort a grieving nation and underscored the importance of unity and healing.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum continues to play a vital role in educating visitors about the bombing's impact and the importance of combating extremism. The memorial remains a significant educational site, visited by over half a million people annually.
As the nation reflects on this somber anniversary, the ceremony stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Oklahoma City and the collective commitment to remember and learn from the past.
