Oklahoma City..15 years later

I still remember it like it was yesterday. I was eight years old and sitting in my living room during my spring/Easter break from school. My grandfather was on his way and we were going to take a trip down to Washington, DC. The day was April 19, 1995. As I was waiting, the television was on and saw a breaking news story about a bombing in Oklahoma City. At the time, it was hard to tell what exactly was going on, but throughout that day; it was somewhat on my mind.

Fifteen years ago, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma exploded from a bomb in what was a terrorist attack on American soil from someone born here. The bomb killed 168 people and gave America a jolt and a glimpse at terrorism at home. Among the victims were 19 children in the building's daycare center.

Each year since the eyes of the nation have turned towards the city and ceremonies and memorials are held. Outside the area where the building once stood are reminders of all the lives lost that day. In a similar fashion to honors on 9/11, the names of all 168 victims are read and remembered. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was in Oklahoma City for the day of remembrance and gave some perspective on then and now. We have had terrorist threats; both domestic and foreign. And the times we live in are certainly different than they were fifteen years ago. Homeland Security has been working hard to ensure that tragedies like the Oklahoma City bombing do not occur again.

The main culprit of this atrocity, Timothy McVeigh, was convicted on federal murder charges and was executed in 2001. McVeigh chose the day because of its connection to the U.S. government's raid of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas on April 19, 1993.

Those who did survive the attack have had health issues among other problems since that day. But despite the difficulties; those who survived feel a sense of meaning. They were given a chance that many weren't. The attack has help form a strong bond amongst the citizens of Oklahoma City; especially those affected that day.

The actions by Timothy McVeigh shook a city, a state, and a nation. But as we have shown time and time again; our cities and its people are strong and will prosper from whatever ashes they must climb out of. It is hard to believe that it has been fifteen years since that day. We must remember those 168 lives that were not given the chance to see the next day. I know the people in Oklahoma City will continue to return to that site and remember. That is all we can do when these type of anniversaries come around.