Marking the 30-year anniversary of the most devastating homegrown attack in U.S. history, former President Bill Clinton is set to return to Oklahoma City this Saturday to honor the memory of those who perished and to offer solace to those affected by the bombing. On April 19, 1995, during Clinton’s presidency, a truck bomb detonated, obliterating a nine-story federal building in downtown Oklahoma City. Clinton will deliver the keynote speech at a remembrance event near the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.
At 78, Clinton continues to be recognized for his compassionate response to the tragedy, which claimed 168 lives, including 19 children. The former President often reflects on the indelible impact that day had on his time in office. In a video statement released on the Clinton Foundation website, he expressed, “The nation’s eyes were there. The nation’s heart was broken there.” He recounted his hope to find the words and tone to resonate with the American people during that challenging time.
Clinton has revisited the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum multiple times since the bombing, often speaking at significant anniversaries. The memorial serves a crucial role in educating the public about the dangers of political violence and the lasting impact of the bombing. Kari Watkins, the memorial’s president and CEO, emphasized the importance of conveying this history to new generations. “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,” Watkins stated. She noted an increasing number of young visitors and educators who bring these lessons to their classrooms.
The ceremony, initially planned for the memorial grounds, has been relocated to an adjacent church due to unfavorable weather conditions. The event is scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m.