Today we visited the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, located right down the
street from where we are staying. Before this visit, none of us had much knowledge of the
tragedy that occurred in the direct vicinity of the church where we are living for the rest of
week. We initially walked around the outdoor memorial and spoke to a park ranger who
provided us with the basic story of the Oklahoma City bombing of 1995. The memorial itself
was very moving, and I was eager to learn more through the museum’s exhibits. The displays in
the museum were extensive and impressive. There were many real remnants from the explosions
as well as reaction videos collected from survivors and first responders to the scene. Seeing the
aftermath of the horrible attack was very emotional, and I was surprised that I had not heard
more about this tragedy before visiting the memorial and museum. One of quotes that was most
memorable for me was from a video of a speech given by Bill Clinton on the 15th anniversary of
the bombing. The former President said, “Oklahoma City reminded us that how we respond to
what happens to us, determines who we are. It shows the world our identity.” This powerful
quote resonated with me on many levels, primarily how it relates to service and my impending
Alternative Break experience. Over the next few days, my group and I will be experiencing firsthand
how Habitat for Humanity has responded to the tornados that devastated South Oklahoma
City and the town of Moore, Oklahoma this past summer. According to former President
Clinton’s quote, we are going to be seeing the true identity of the community Oklahoma City and
its supporters. I know everyone is very anxious to begin volunteering tomorrow and learning
more about Habitat for Humanity and how they have contributed to the reconstruction of the
areas affected by the tornados.
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