"Oklahoma City National Memorial" Oklahoma City Travelogue by Paulie_D

West Gate

The moment of destruction - 9:02
is marked by the formal entrances to the memorial.

These monumental twin gates to the east and west ends of the memorial are inscribed solely with two times.

The east gate represents 9:01 on April 19th, the last minute of innocence for the city; and then the west gate represents 9:03 the destruction in the aftermath, the moment things changed forever.

The Reflecting Pool

The pool occupies what was once N.W. 5th street. Here a shallow depth of gently flowing water is intended to help soothe wounds, with calming sounds providing a peaceful setting for quiet thoughts.

Field of Empty Chairs

These 168 chairs stand as a poignant reminder of each life lost, articulated as the absence felt by family members and friends. The chairs are placed in nine rows, representing the nine floors of the building. The chairs are placed according to the floor on which those killed worked or were visiting.

Child's Chair

The symbolic chairs are designed in two sizes, the smaller size representing the absence of 19 children. Each chair is crafted of bronze and stone; its glass base is etched with the name of the victim. By day, the chairs seem to float above their translucent bases. By night the glass bases illuminate as beacons of hope.

Survivor Tree

The Survivor Tree, an American Elm, bears witness to the violence of April 19 and now stands as a symbol of human resilience. The circular promontory surrounding the tree offers a place for gathering and viewing the memorial.

The tree overlooks Rescuers' Orchard. Like those who rushed in from far and near to lend a helping hand, this stand of fruit and flowering bearing trees surrounds and protects the Survivor's Tree.

On the outside of the wall surrounding the Survivor Tree is an inscription, facing the Orchard' which reads.."To the courageous and caring who respponded from near and far, we offer our eternal gratitude"

The inside of the wall bears an incription.."The spirit of this city and this nation will not be defeated; our deeply routed faith sustains us"

At first, on first glance, one is horrified to see graffiti at the site. On closer inspection, the words strike home. A white plaque (see the bottom of the picture) explains as follows: -

"A rescue worker originally painted the message during search and recovery efforts in April 1995.

The building on which it is painted was a functioning office building when the bomb exploded across the street. Ceilings collapsed, walls fell in a glass shards flew throughout the building. Hundred of people were injured, many critically. Fortunately, no-one was killed inside the building."