Former President Bill Clinton returned to Oklahoma City on Saturday, April 19, 2025, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, an event that claimed 168 lives, including 19 children. This tragic incident remains the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history.
Clinton, who was president at the time of the attack, delivered the keynote address at a remembrance ceremony held at First Church, a change from the usual outdoor venue at the Oklahoma City National Memorial due to inclement weather. The event drew a crowd of over 1,600 attendees, including survivors, family members of victims, and local officials.
Reflecting on the day of the bombing, Clinton recounted how he began his morning with optimism, jogging with the winners of the Boston Marathon. However, he received the devastating news of the bombing shortly after returning to the White House. "That truck bomb, as you all know better than I, claimed 168 lives," he said, emphasizing the loss of public servants who dedicated their lives to helping others.
Clinton honored Alan Whicher, a member of his Secret Service detail who lost his life in the attack. "He was very popular and very good at what he did, but he had a family. 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,'" Clinton recalled, highlighting the unpredictability of life.
During his speech, Clinton praised the resilience of the Oklahoma City community, which embraced what has come to be known as the "Oklahoma Standard"—a commitment to service, honor, and kindness in the face of tragedy. "You gave them service, honor, and kindness," he stated, acknowledging the pain that still lingers for many survivors and families of victims.
Clinton's remarks resonated particularly in today's polarized political climate. He urged Americans to put aside their differences, stating, "America needs you, and America needs the Oklahoma Standard. If we all live by it, we’d be a lot better off." He warned against the divisiveness that can lead to violence, drawing parallels between the past and the present. "The domestic terrorists who did this awful thing believed that it would spark a nationwide upheaval against the American government and would eventually destroy our government, our democracy, and our way of life," he said.
Other notable speakers at the ceremony included Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, former Governor Frank Keating, and U.S. Senator James Lankford. Mayor David Holt expressed the obligation of elected officials to speak against the forces that fostered the environment for such acts of evil. "This site is a scar, a symbol of what humans can do to each other when they do not love each other," Holt said, emphasizing the need for understanding and compassion.
The ceremony included the reading of the names of the 168 victims by family members, a poignant reminder of the lives lost. The memorial, marked by 168 empty chairs—19 of which are smaller to represent the children—serves as a lasting tribute to those who perished in the bombing. The reflecting pool symbolizes the time between the moments before and after the explosion, a moment forever etched in the city's history.
As Clinton looked out at the transformed Oklahoma City, he expressed pride in its progress and resilience. He noted that the city has become a model for national healing and community spirit. "You’ve gone a long way to redeem the lives they were not able to live," Clinton said, reflecting on the enduring legacy of the victims.
In the years since the bombing, Clinton has visited Oklahoma City multiple times, reaffirming his commitment to remembering the victims and supporting the community. He encouraged attendees to continue sharing the lessons learned from the tragedy, particularly with younger generations who may not fully understand its significance. "We knew when we built this place we would someday reach a generation of people who weren’t born or who didn’t remember the story," said Kari Watkins, the memorial’s president and CEO.
Clinton's message of unity and resilience comes at a time when many Americans are grappling with the divisive rhetoric that has permeated political discourse. He reminded the audience that the Oklahoma Standard is more than a local initiative; it is a call to action for all Americans to embrace service, honor, and kindness in their daily lives.
As the ceremony concluded, Clinton’s words echoed in the hearts of those present: "America needs you now more than ever." His call for unity and compassion resonates deeply in a nation still healing from the scars of violence and division.
In honoring the past, Oklahoma City continues to inspire hope for a better future, reminding us all of the power of community and the enduring spirit of those who choose to respond to tragedy with love and resilience.
