Paper Cranes with Victims’ Names Written on Them

2019

In Japanese folklore, the crane represents good fortune and longevity, as they are believed to live for a thousand years. Furthermore, it is said that the wings of a crane can provide protection and that a person who folds a thousand origami cranes will have a wish granted. This idea became popularized after a young girl afflicted with leukemia, Sadako Sasaki, continued to make cranes until she passed away. Sasaki wished not for herself but for her family and reinforced the notion of paper cranes as a symbol of honor and loyalty. With this background, it makes sense that paper cranes, like those pictured, are commonly left on the Fence.

Thousands of cranes were sent to Oklahoma City following the bombing by school kids from all around the world. The cranes contain the name of a victim and a piece of information about them. The crane symbolizes hope, healing and love: the hope of a community to be able to move past tragedy, the healing a memorial can bring by creating a place of remembrance and continuing to honor all involved.