By Congresswoman Stephanie Bice
April 19, 1995, is a day that forever changed Oklahoma City, our state, and our nation. This year marks the 31st anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, a tragic act of domestic terrorism that took 168 innocent lives. We remember the lives lost, those who survived, and those whose lives were changed forever. We also recognize the first responders and the many Oklahomans who stepped up in the moments and days after the attack. It is a day our state will never forget.
In the face of unimaginable tragedy, Oklahomans came together. Emergency personnel answered the call, and everyday citizens stepped up to help in any way they could. In one of our darkest moments, our community showed resilience, compassion, and strength. That spirit became known as the Oklahoma Standard.
One of the most powerful symbols of that resilience is the Survivor Tree. In the aftermath of the bombing, this tree stood amid the rubble, damaged but still alive. Over time, it not only survived, but it thrived, becoming a symbol of hope for Oklahoma and for the entire nation.
Last year, alongside my Oklahoma delegation members, I had the opportunity to lead the planting of a sapling from the Survivor Tree on the United States Capitol grounds. We were joined by members from the community who were directly impacted by the bombing as well as representatives from the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. Planting that sapling was more than symbolic; it was a way to bring a piece of Oklahoma to our nation’s capital and to share our story of resilience with the country. Today, that tree serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope endures. Every American who visits our nation’s capital will have the opportunity to walk past the tree, read the plaque, and learn more about this fateful day.
While our community, state, and nation were forever changed, we remain strong. The legacies of those we lost live on, and the Oklahoma Standard continues to guide us today. It is a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, we can choose compassion, unity, and resilience.
