Former President Bill Clinton marked the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing by urging Americans to “do better” and honor the sacrifices made by the victims. The bombing, which occurred on April 19, 1995, at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, is the deadliest homegrown attack in U.S. history. A truck bomb exploded in front of the building at 9:02 a.m., claiming the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, and injuring nearly 700 others. Clinton, who was in his first term as president at the time of the attack, reflected on the tragedy at the anniversary event, recalling that he had been jogging with the winners of the Boston Marathon before receiving the devastating news.
At the event, Clinton also spoke about the “Oklahoma Standard,” a spirit of resilience and unity that emerged in response to the bombing. He praised the strength and compassion shown by Oklahomans in the aftermath of the tragedy and encouraged them to share this spirit with the rest of the country. Clinton expressed his gratitude for the existence of the Oklahoma Standard and remarked that he wished every American could receive a copy of it, believing that it would have a positive impact. The former president emphasized the importance of coming together in times of tragedy and building a more compassionate and united nation.
On the morning of April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh, a former Army soldier and security guard, parked a rented Ryder truck in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building before setting off the bomb that caused the devastating attack. McVeigh’s actions were described by Clinton as an act of cowardice and evil. McVeigh and his co-conspirators were eventually captured and convicted, with McVeigh being sentenced to death on August 14, 1997. He was executed on June 11, 2001, three months before the 9/11 attacks. The Oklahoma City bombing was the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil prior to 9/11, underscoring the need for enhanced security and vigilance in the face of domestic threats.
Clinton’s remarks at the anniversary event highlighted the importance of remembering the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing and honoring their memory by striving to create a more compassionate and united society. He emphasized the resilience shown by the people of Oklahoma in responding to the tragedy and encouraged Americans to embody the spirit of the Oklahoma Standard in their own lives. The former president’s reflections on the events of April 19, 1995, served as a poignant reminder of the impact of senseless acts of violence and the strength that can emerge from unity and solidarity in the face of adversity.
The 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing served as a somber reminder of the lives lost and the devastation caused by the attack. As Americans reflected on the tragic events of April 19, 1995, they were urged to honor the memory of the victims by coming together as a nation and working towards a more compassionate and inclusive society. Clinton’s call to “do better” and uphold the principles of the Oklahoma Standard resonated with attendees at the anniversary event, reminding them of the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. The legacy of the Oklahoma City bombing continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance and solidarity in the ongoing fight against domestic terrorism and violence.
