Yesterday was the 23rd anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. On April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols carried out a plan to bomb the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building killing 168 people and injuring hundreds of others. It is still the worst act of domestic terrorism our country has ever seen.
In a moment, our world was rocked, and our community was shaken to our core. However, we did not allow this evil and senseless violence to overcome us. As a community, we immediately rallied together to support the recovery efforts and do whatever we could to help those in need. The response was incredible.
In the 23 years following that terrible day, we have rebuilt, we have found hope, we have gained a new sense of compassion, and found strength in our community and a new appreciation of life and loved ones. As a community, we have not allowed this to overtake us, but we have remembered, and our lives have been changed forever because of the lessons gained.
Today, take time to show kindness to a stranger. Take a moment to tell your family you love them and give your kids a hug. Do something to spread hope to others in need. Tell the story of this to your children and grandchildren so that these lessons can continue to be passed on from generation to generation.
