Learning from Tragedy

The April 19, 1995, bombing of Oklahoma City threatened to tear our city apart. Parents lost their children. Children lost their parents. Families were never the same. Many others survived the attack with scars – both visible and invisible – many of which could never heal completely. Our innocence was shattered.

However, we chose to learn from it. We look to the example set by so many that day and in the weeks and months that followed: The fearless citizens who rushed to help. The first responders who came from across the nation to dig through the wreckage and rescue survivors. The leaders who shouldered the burden of supporting a heartbroken city and state. And those who relentlessly sought justice.

The lessons we learned were hard-earned. That’s why at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, we do all we can to share them with the world. Our hope is that the generations that follow can learn from these – without having to endure the same kind of heartache.

We invite you to learn more by exploring the areas below.

In the wake of disaster, everyone wanted to help. Communication, leadership and cooperation were key.
In the wake of disaster, everyone wanted to help. Communication, leadership and cooperation were key.
From the investigation through the trials of the perpetrators, seeking justice and protecting those involved was always the goal.
From the investigation through the trials of the perpetrators, seeking justice and protecting those involved was always the goal.
Events like the bombing can skew our perspective of the world – until we choose to look at the countless examples of goodness.
Events like the bombing can skew our perspective of the world – until we choose to look at the countless examples of goodness.
To remember, honor and memorialize those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever.
To remember, honor and memorialize those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever.

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