Saturday, April 19th 2025, 10:23 am
Former President Bill Clinton returned to Oklahoma City to mark 30 years since the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, honoring the 168 lives lost and praising the enduring strength of the community.
Former President Clinton thanked various leaders, including Gov. Kevin Stitt, former Governor Frank Keating, Mayor David Holt, Senator Lankford, and others, for speaking at the ceremony at First Church in Oklahoma City Saturday morning. Clinton shared his personal connection to the event, recalling that he began the day of the bombing with optimism before learning about the tragedy.
"I went jogging with the winners of the Boston Marathon, giving me the illusion, and an illusion it was I was somehow pretty fit," Clinton said. "Then I got back to the White House and the devastating news. That truck bomb, as you all know better than I, claimed 168 lives."
Clinton recounted the destruction of April 19, 1995, and emphasized that many victims were public servants helping veterans, the elderly, and the disabled. He also noted the 19 children who died.
Alan Whicher, a member of the Secret Service who had previously served on Clinton's security detail, was honored as an example of how unpredictable life can be.
"He was very popular, and very good at what he did, but he had a family," Clinton said. "He said, 'You know what? You travel too much. I want to be home more, and Oklahoma City would be a good place to raise my kids."
Former President Clinton praised the outpouring of support from first responders, FEMA workers, and ordinary citizens who traveled to Oklahoma City from across the country. Clinton recalled acts of kindness, such as teddy bears, cards, and donations from children.
Clinton recognized that Oklahomans responded with what came to be known as the "Oklahoma Standard," of which compassion is its primary value. Clinton praised Oklahoma for becoming a model for national healing and community spirit.
"You gave them service, honor and kindness," Clinton said. "I know over the last 30 years, you are probably managing your losses better, but I know the pain has never gone away."
Clinton referenced Scripture, from 1 Corinthians 13.
"In St Paul's famous letter to the Corinthians, where he describes what love is, which is often read at marriages, weddings, wrongly," Clinton said. "Because the word for love is agape, which means love of your fellow human being."
Former President Clinton expressed awe at the transformation of Oklahoma City, and said he was proud of its resilience. The former President urged Oklahomans to continue setting an example for the rest of the nation; an example he says we need now more than ever.
“My advice to America today is: we were there for you when you needed us — America needs you,” he said. “And America needs the Oklahoma Standard.”
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