April 19, 2008

13 Yr. Anniversary Of Bombing Of Oklahoma City Federal Bldg.

The Oklahoma City bombing was a domestic terrorist attack on April 19, 1995 aimed at the U.S. government in which the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was bombed in an office complex in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The attack claimed 168 lives and left over 800 injured. Until the September 11,2001 attacks, it was the deadliest act of terrorism on U.S. soil.[see Wiki.]

Timothy McVeigh was charged and put to death by lethal injection June 11, 2001(See death certificate)

Terry Nichols is currently serving 161 consecutive life terms and is currently held in the ADX Florence Federal Prison.

Michael Fortier served served 85% of his sentenced and was released for good behavior into the Witness Protection Program.

No "John Doe #2" was ever identified. No recent investigation, to my knowledge, has been done in finding this "John Doe".

TBO

Oklahomans paused Saturday morning at the Oklahoma City National Memorial to remember the 168 people who died 13 years ago in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

The attack on April 19, 1995, remains the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history.

As has become custom, the anniversary service held at the memorial - part of which sits on the site of the former federal building - was both simple and poignant.

"We are here today to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever," said Oklahoma City Police chaplain Jack Poe. "May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity."

At 9:02 a.m., the exact moment of the bombing, those attending the service observed 168 seconds of silence for each of the bombing's victims. The names of each of those killed in the bombing were also read aloud.

Before the ceremony, family members of the victims placed wreaths and mementos on the permanent chairs, each one representing a victim of the bombing.

"The evil act perpetrated here illustrated the depths of human depravity," Gov. Brad Henry said. "But Oklahomans met tragedy with triumph. From such a horrible crime came tales of astounding goodness.

He added, "That aftermath came to show the innate goodness of humanity."

Rudy Guzman of Castro Valley, Calif., is the brother of Marine Capt. Randolph A. Guzman, who died on the sixth floor of the building in the U.S. Marine Corps recruiting office.

"It felt good being up there saying my brother's name," Rudy Guzman said. "It was a great way to honor him."

As Guzman stood by a chair bearing his brother's name, he said he has had to learn how to deal with the tragedy. "Day by day you think of the good things," he said.

Guzman said family members and survivors have developed a sense of family over the years. He said, "It's a family brought together in tragedy, but we're here to help each other out."

There are several theories on this that I won't go into at this time. Today is a day for remembering those who were brutally murdered 13 yrs ago as well as family and friends affected by this horrible "terrorist" attack.

Special interactive Oklahoma City Bombing website here