Today John, Alex and myself headed off to Oklahoma city to see the memorial of the bombing of the Murrah Building in 1995. Its about 95 miles from here so it was a little drive. we didn't get to see this the last time we were here, and we really wanted to see it. We packed some water, red bull and snacks and piled in the car.
The weather was nice, about 95. Not as muggy as it has been, and the drive is mostly straight shot to OK city, until you get close, then you have to start changing freeway and finding your way there. We finally fond the place, then had to find parking. since it was sunday, there was an empty lot reserved for federal parking. so we used one of their spaces.
the grounds are beautiful and peaceful looking. very well kept. there was signs explaining what everything was on the outside grounds. Everything has a meaning there. everything. the trees, the tiles that decorate the retaining wall in front of the museum, the bricks in the windows. there was 168 people that were killed in that bombing. there is a separate memorial for each person and every name is engraved on a memorial wall. the chain link fence that was put up to keep people out of danger in the days right after the bombing is still there in part and people are still putting things up on it every day.
A large american elm tree stands that used to be ina parking lot and protected cars from the sun. that tree survived the bombing and is now called the survivor tree. we stood under the tree and listened to a park personal tell us about what happened that horrible day. I cried as he talked. this is a very emotional place. After the talk, we went on the tour inside the museum. i really wasn't prepared for what we were gonna see and hear. i cried though the whole thing, quietly and to myself. it was difficult to see what those two men created and did to so many innocent people. I heard another lady sniffing her way through the pictures and demonstrations and displays. it was heartbreaking.
After, we went to lunch/early dinner at Toby Keith's I love that bar and grill. Hot Damn that was some good food. good country cookin. i wish we had one of those in california. from there we drove back to tulsa and to alex house where i got to meet his dog Lola. She is a boxer and still a puppy. I was so happy to finally meet her. i have pics of her at the end of the pics i put up today.
ok, I'm gettin tired and would like to relax a little. I just need to write these every day so i don't forget anything important. this is my journal also. see ya all later.
That was good of you to go see - and although I'm sorry it was so sad for you, I'm glad to read that they've come up with a monument that does what it should - cause people to remember and reflect upon that terrible tragedy.
ReplyDeleteTerrorists come from everywhere...even here. That was a terrible day for this country, I remember it. Thank you, good post ((Lisa))
ReplyDeleteI would have been like you and cried my heart out. You can't visit a place like this and not share their pain in one form or another. Thanks for sharing it, because I didn't even know there was a memorial in place for those in the OK City bombing. I bet Toby Keith's bar and grill was very nice! Have a great time there and keep sharing your trip. It makes me feel like I am getting a vacation with you. :)
ReplyDeletethanks mama. did you go see the pictures i put up. toby's was fun and if it werent so far away, i would go there again.
ReplyDeleteI too would have balled my eyes out...I recall that day very well and cried that day too. We too would love to visit Toby Keiths place...Rick loves that song. lol Thanks for sharing your travels...it makes me feel like Im there with you. :)
ReplyDelete95 degrees! Holy crap! We only reached the 70's 3 times this year!
ReplyDeleteTHe survivor tree...so sad!
That memorial sounds nicer then the one at grownd zero in NYC, as it did not stir any emotion in us at all when we saw it!
Glad your enjoying your vacation!