History behind the Memorial
On April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh drove a yellow Ryder truck to the front of the A.P. Murrah Federal Building, where loaded with an ammonium nitrate fertilizer bomb. This resulted in death of 168 and over injuries to over 680 people.
The bombing was planned with Terry Nichols on the anniversary to the conclusion of the Government's seige on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. Multiple targets were planned, but Oklahoma City was choosen over other possibilities due to the ability to hit at many of the agencies involved in the Waco incident and limited non-governmental causualties. Also, it was thought that the open areas surrounding the building would provide pictures of the scene for future propoganda.
Tragically, the conspirators got more than they had actually planned, killing so many that had no goverment connection other than their presence. One such target in Little Rock, Arkansas, was dismissed as providing too many non-governmental casualties because of a florist shop on the first floor. On the first floor of the A.P. Murrah building was a child care facility, which accounts for 15 of the deaths as children.
Over one billion pieces of information was assembled by FBI teams investigating the crime. Over three and one-half tons of evidence was collected.
Timothy McVeigh was tried in Federal Court and executed for his crimes. Timothy McVeigh was the first person executed in the Federal system in 38 years.
Terry Nichols is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for his federal crimes, and was convicted and sentenced in Oklahoma State courts for 161 life sentences. The Federal charges stem for the Federal officers killed in the crime, where as the 161 charges in state court are related to the 160 non-federal agents and one fetus which were killed.
The Memorial Grounds
There are so many elements to the grounds, an attempt to describe it is difficult.
Gates of Time stand at both ends.
Reflecting Pool now stands where 5th Street once was.
Field of Empty Chairs, each 168 chairs represent each of the lives taken that day. Nineteen smaller chairs represent the children.
Survivor Wall are the only remaining walls of the Murrah Building. On salvaged pieces of granite from the Murrah Building, are inscribed more than 600 names of the survivors.
The Survivor Tree withstood the full force of the attack, being totally exposed to the blast. Today, visitors can still see the survivor.
Rescuers' Orchard stands guard around the Survivor Tree, representing the countless numbers of people who rushed in to give aid.
Children's Area is in the area with built in chalk boards. As ranger talks occur, the visiting children are able to express themselves on the chalk boards.
The Fence represents the fence that surrounded the site immediately after the bombing. Since the first fence, people have left letters, stuffed animals, and other momentos. Still today, people continue to leave these items of love on the fence.
Visitation
The site is open 24 hours, daily. Attached are photographs taken at many different times of the day. The site gives off different moods, at different times. Visiting the memorial grounds is free. Plenty of parking along the street can be found. After 6 pm, parking is free on the streets surrounding the memorial.
The Memorial Museum, is open Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. While not part of art, the museum adds insight to the grounds, and will give you perspective of the symbolism of the site. Admission is Adults $10, Seniors $8, Students (6-17 or college student with current ID) $6, and Children (5 years and under) Free.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation along with the National Parks Service coopertively manage and interpret the site. During the daytime, National Parks Service Rangers roam the grounds answering questions, and distinguishing parts of the memorial. During the evening, security guards roam the grounds. I have found that everyone working at the site has either direct or indirect knowledge of the site and its history. I have no met anyone here that does not demonstrate an absolute calling to their part here. The security guards serve the area 24 hours a day, and while the area may not present any real danger, their presence has never left me feeling uncomfortable or in any sense of danger.