This week marks the eighteenth anniversary of the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. 168 innocent lives were lost in this heinous act of terrorism, including 19 children. More than 850 others were injured. The state of Oklahoma was forever changed by these losses.
The bravery of first responders and law enforcement, the perseverance of the injured and bereaved, and the continuing struggle against terrorism should be in our thoughts.
A crowd of more than 2,000 is gathered this morning at the Oklahoma City National Memorial to pay tribute to the victims. Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities in Massachusetts continue their search for one of the remaining suspects in an act of terrorism in Boston this week.
These senseless acts are deeply frustrating, and they underscore the importance of preparedness. They also reaffirm the need to care for our fellow man and the essential value of human life.
Communities have a role to play in promoting the value of life, and this was evident in months and years that followed the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building. People came together to comfort each other, to rebuild, and to help in whatever way they could.
The citizens of our state came together to prove the values of life and community are vastly stronger than the values that lead people to kill indiscriminately. This should serve as a source of pride for all Oklahomans.
Please feel free to contact me at the state Capitol by calling (405) 521-5566 or by email at brinkley@oksenate.gov.
