Oklahoma City: Healing Domestic Terrorism

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. ~Oklahoma Peace Memorial

Domestic terrorism April 1995, at a government building in Oklahoma City, killed 168 women and men, including 19 children, and injured 500 more. It was the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil until the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. When the bombing happened in Oklahoma City, I watched the news reports in disbelief and prayed along with the rest of the world.

The men who were arrested feared the U.S government. They were right wing extremists who followed the Patriot Movement and a militia movement that was growing in the United States. Because of their beliefs and fears and actions, innocent women, men and children were killed.

A chain-link fence was placed around the perimeter of the bombed building and people began to place flowers and gifts along the fence. Healing doesn’t happen overnight. Acknowledging pain and loss and shock comes first.

Two years later, a peace memorial was built at the site.

When I heard about the peace memorial, it moved me deeply. I wanted to visit a place where people had survived loss and…