OKC Memorial's field of empty chairs tells 168 stories of loss

On the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, visitors gathered at the Oklahoma City National Memorial to honor the 168 lives lost on April 19, 1995. Among the solemn tributes are 168 empty chairs.

Symbolism of the Chairs

The 168 empty chairs represent each person killed in the bombing on April 19, 1995. The chairs are arranged in nine rows, each row representing a floor of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

19 smaller chairs represent the children who died.

Tributes from Loved Ones

Family and friends were seen placing flowers and wreaths on the individual chairs early in the morning. Each chair had flowers, and some included small mementos or personal items left by loved ones.

One florist mentioned they had been asked by a family to place a special floral arrangement on a chair each year for the past five years.

Morning of Reflection

The atmosphere was described as somber, with a steady flow of visitors paying their respects before the ceremony. The chairs emphasize the personal loss and remembrance of the tragedy, highlighting the significance of every single life taken in 1995.