Oklahoma City Bombing Anniversary

It's hard to believe that it's been 13 years since the tragic bombing at the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City:

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahomans paused Saturday morning at the Oklahoma City National Memorial to remember the 168 people who died 13 years earlier 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.

Before the ceremony, family members of the victims placed wreaths and mementos on the permanent chairs, each one representing a victim of the bombing, at the memorial that stands on the footprint of the old federal building.

"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 from the rescue workers who gathered here.

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

I've visited the memorial twice, the last time in 2005 and I have a couple of photos here. It's a very impressive place and a must-visit if you're in the Oklahoma City area.