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The National Memorial

Photos by Tony Harrison/The Public Safety Group
 
   
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The site of the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City was dedicated on April 19, 2000, five years after the tragic bombing that devastated the building, the community, and the nation, as the Oklahoma City National Memorial. Designed by Hans and Torrey Butzer and Sven Berg, the simple yet elegant construction is bracketed by brass entrances which denote the minutes before (9:01) and after (9:03) the explosion. In between lies a reflecting pool and, beside it on a grassy field where the building once stood, 168 chairs - granite seats set in glass bases with brass backs - represent each of the victims who died in Oklahoma City that terrible 1995 morning. Across the pool from the field is the "Survivor Tree" - a lone elm whose twisted trunkwork withstood the blast, a symbol of hope and survival that remains alive.

These words are etched in the front side of the 9:01 Gate of Time: "We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived, and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope, and serenity."

Exclusive 9-1-1 Magazine photos by Tony Harrison/The Public Safety Group
 

The Memorial as seen from the plaza, facing north towards the 9:01 Gate of Time.
 
From the plaza looking west, past the field of chairs towards the 9:03 Gate of Time.
 
The 9:03 Gate of Time as seen from the plaza.
 
Close-up of the chair of Steven Douglas Curry.
 
These plaques, mounted on the wall of the Survival Chapel, name all those who survived the bombing of the Murrah and surrounding buildings.
 
A wall of more than 600 hand-painted tiles sent by children from across the nation.
 
The west side of the memorial, where the original fence still stands.
 
The Survivor tree.
 
The Chairs.
 
The 9:03 Gate of Time facing east.
 
The 9:03 Gate of Time as seen from the 9:01 Gate.
   

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