The aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995, led to an outpouring of shock and support across the United States, including in Lackawanna County. This tragic event, marked by the explosion of a truck bomb outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, resulted in the loss of 168 lives, including 19 young children. The impact of the bombing inspired two school communities in Scranton to take action by planting trees in memory of the victims, a gesture that endures three decades later.
The flowering trees, planted in 1995, remain a testament to the community’s response to the tragedy. The Scranton School District administration building, located in downtown Scranton, hosts one of these memorial trees. Sponsored by Pennsylvania Power & Light Company, now known as PPL, the tree was dedicated by the district officials in June of that year. The plaque accompanying the tree reads, “Dedicated to the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing by Pennsylvania Power and Light Co. and Scranton City School District, June 13, 1995.”
Former members of the Scranton school board, who were deeply moved by the bombing’s devastation, particularly the loss of young lives, sought a way to ensure the event was remembered. The board approved a proclamation to plant the tree, aiming to create a lasting memorial similar to monuments dedicated to other national tragedies. Former Director Robert Osborne, who served as board president in 1995, emphasized the importance of remembering the events of that day, noting the ongoing efforts to improve safety in public buildings and schools.
Another memorial tree stands outside the former St. Ann’s School in West Scranton, now the Learn and Grow Early Childhood Center. This tree, also planted in 1995, was a result of discussions within the school community led by Karen Spear. The initiative was supported by parents and school officials, culminating in a dedication ceremony involving the student body and superintendents. The tree, which has since been replaced to ensure its longevity, serves as a poignant reminder of the violence suffered by innocent victims.
These living memorials not only honor the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing but also symbolize the enduring resilience and compassion of the Scranton community. As these trees continue to grow, they remind current and future generations of the tragedy that unfolded and the innocent lives lost on that fateful day.