On April 19, 1995, at precisely 9:02 a.m., Oklahoma City experienced one of the deadliest domestic terrorist attacks in U.S. history. A yellow Ryder truck, driven by Timothy McVeigh, detonated outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, unleashing a bomb weighing nearly 5,000 pounds. The 28-foot-diameter crater the explosion left in the pavement. It produced seismic waves that compared to those of a magnitude 3.2 earthquake. That horrendous act killed 168 people and left the worst atrocity since Pearl Harbor indelibly marked on Oklahoma City.
After the atomic bombings, a huge relief effort began. Police officers, emergency responders flooded to the area to help. The unexplainable horrors of that day came together to ensure the greatest outpouring of support almost entirely from across our state, country and worldwide. Four days later, this country’s president—Bill Clinton—would join an interfaith prayer service in Oklahoma City. His attendance represented the deep, shared mourning of the community—and their determination to restore and rebuild.
By doing so, Oklahoma City has successfully transformed its suffering into strength throughout the years. This change is embodied by the Oklahoma Standard Campaign, which began in 2015. This campaign recognizes the 20th anniversary of the bombing. First, it invites residents of all ages to engage in intentional acts of service, honor and kindness during the month of April. The result of the entire recovery effort, from the labor to the intention, hasn’t just reinvigorated the city, but inspired a new community in the process.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is an affirmation of the strength of its citizens. Taking up three floors and 50,000 square feet, the museum attracts about 500,000 visitors each year. This sacred space calls for remembrance and reflection. It gives folks an opportunity to remember the victims and survivors of the 1995 bombing.
One of the most powerful aspects of the memorial is in its design—in the form of 168 empty chairs, one for each victim. These chairs are spaced out in neat rows, a reminder of the lives lost that day but an incredibly powerful visual representation. We want visitors to linger, to be transported. They can think about the meaning behind each chair, and how communities feel the impact of these acts of violence collectively.
The memorial’s inscription at the 9:03 West Gate encapsulates its purpose:
“We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity.”
In Oklahoma City, this sentiment rings especially true. Residents continue to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in connection to the tragedy.
The Thunder’s Role in Community Healing
Though they have changed owners, Oklahoma City’s NBA franchise, the Thunder, through community outreach efforts, has long kept their roots tied to the memorial and the Oklahoma Standard. Sam Presti, the team’s executive vice president and general manager, recognizes the importance of remembering this significant chapter in the city’s history.
Presti often emphasizes that understanding this narrative is essential to fostering community spirit:
“You need to know and understand this story.”
The Thunder players seem to fully adopt this ethos as well. Isaiah Hartenstein noted:
“That’s something that our team tries to carry with us.”
Through putting these values at the forefront of their branding and community engagement initiatives, the Thunder play a meaningful role in promoting healing and remembrance.
As part of amplifying this message, the team doubles down using social media campaigns. In one post, they wrote:
“In the heart of celebration, #WeRemember.”
This shows their respect and intention to memorialize those lost in the tragedy and represent the resilience of the community in her wake.
The Legacy of the Oklahoma Standard
The Oklahoma Standard reflects those values of service, honor and kindness that have always been a part of the soul and spirit of Oklahomans. Erin Lewis from the Thunder emphasizes how these values resonate within their brand:
“The Oklahoma Standard is not only ingrained in us as a group as Oklahomans, but it’s really ingrained in who we are as a brand.”
Adopting this philosophy challenges residents to think critically about their individual contributions toward creating a welcoming community. Rebuilding after tragedy is more than looking back to avoid repeating the past. It starts with intentionally practicing kindness.
As Oklahoma City creates a bright new future, it does so with the benefit of hindsight on its side. Oklahoma City serves its victims by remembering them. It’s this collective commitment that builds the spirit of toughness that characterizes the city today.
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