Sunday at the Oklahoma Memorial

We invited Wendy and Rick to go to church with us this morning down the road, 9:15 AM service.  Their VBS was this past week and some of the children sang a few songs and then four young girls sang an awesome song about salvation, because of God's great love. The pastor's text was I John 4:8-13. 

After church, Don drove us into Oklahoma City, showing Rick and Wendy the down town and Bricktown area, (excuse the bug smudges on the windshield)ending at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.  We entered on the '9:03' gate of the memorial.

Gates of Time

These monumental twin gates frame the moment of destruction – 9:02 a.m. – and mark the formal entrances to the Memorial. The East Gate represents 9:01 a.m. on April 19, and the innocence of the city before the attack. The West Gate represents 9:03 a.m., the moment we were changed forever, and the hope that came from the horror in the moments and days following the bombing.

These numbers light up at night.

Looking at the '9:01' gate across the ....

Reflecting Pool

"The pool occupies what was once N.W. Fifth Street. Here, a shallow depth of gently flowing water helps soothe wounds, with calming sounds providing a peaceful setting for quiet thoughts. The placid surface shows the reflection of someone changed forever by their visit to the Memorial."

The water in the reflecting pool moves constantly flowing over the edge between the pool and the edge of the walk around the pool, keeping the water fresh.  A black bird kisses the bird in the pool while getting a drink of water.

Field of Empty Chairs

"The 168 chairs represent the lives taken on April 19, 1995. They stand in nine rows to represent each floor of the building, and each chair bears the name of someone killed on that floor. Nineteen smaller chairs stand for the children. The field is located on the footprint of the Murrah Building."

At night the, the base of the chairs, also light up softly.The former Journal Record Building, which sustained much damage, now houses the museum.  We didn't go through the museum today.Pictures of Old Glory flying proudly over buildings in the downtown OKC area.Wendy didn't know we were going to the memorial today, so she didn't bring her camera, but Rick took a view pictures with his cell phone.  (Snookie, does this remind you of anything?)The Survivor Tree

The Survivor Tree, an American Elm, bore witness to the violence of April 19, 1995, and withstood the full force of the attack. Years later, it continues to stand as a living symbol of resilience. The circular promontory surrounding the tree offers a place for gathering and viewing the Memorial.

Rescuers' Orchard

"Like the people who rushed in to help, this army of nut- and flower-bearing trees surrounds and protects the Survivor Tree. An inscription encircling the Survivor Tree facing the orchard reads: To the courageous and caring who responded from near and far, we offer our eternal gratitude, as a thank you to the thousands of rescuers and volunteers who helped."

These walls are original parts of the Murrah Building.

Survivor Wall

"On the east end of the Memorial stand the only remaining walls from the Murrah Building. These walls remind us of those who survived the terrorist attack, many with serious injuries. Today, more than 600 names are inscribed on salvaged pieces of granite from the Murrah Building lobby."

Rick and Wendy.My handsome husband.Rick, exercising his recovering knee.A trip to the Memorial is always meaningful to me, as it was to Rick and Wendy.  This nation has been through so much.  We pray that She will always 'land on her feet.'  Always.

Lunchtime found us at Logan's Roadhouse, where we enjoyed a good meal and then it was home to the 'Q' and "the Carriage."

Sunday afternoon... always rest time.

We are so blessed.