Last Friday, Okmulgee High School hosted a poignant and necessary presentation by “Journey of Hope,” part of The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum’s outreach efforts to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the bombing. From September 2024 to December 2025, the group is traveling to all 77 counties in Oklahoma to teach the story of April 19, 1995.

The event, led by 30th Anniversary Outreach Program Managers Martha Beliveau and Kara Jones, brought together students, educators, local leaders, and hometown heroes to reflect on the tragedy and its enduring lessons of unity and resilience, known as the Oklahoma Standard.

Representative Chris Banning, a first responder during the disaster, fought back tears as he shared his personal experiences with the students, emphasizing the community’s united response. “It didn’t matter if you were a Republican or Democrat, Black or white; we all came to- gether as one,” he recounted, reminding those gathered of the power of collective action in times of crisis.

Mayor Mickey Baldwin also spoke, highlighting the strength and healing witnessed in the aftermath. “The trials provided an end, allowing us to truly get on with healing and to experience a great memorial where we remember not the horror, but the love,” Mayor Baldwin stated, reinforcing the importance of this remembrance.

A special acknowledgment was made to the first responders present at the event, whose bravery and quick actions were pivotal on that tragic day. Their stories of courage and dedication added a deeply personal touch to an already moving historical recount.

Mark Bays, a forester involved in the Survivor Tree initiative, presented a sapling from the Survivor Tree – named for its endurance of the bombing’s devastation. This sapling symbolizes growth, endurance, and renewal. In recognition of those affected by the tragedy, a tree planting ceremony is planned for a later date under better weather conditions.

The “Journey of Hope” presentation not only educated but also inspired the students at Okmulgee High School to carry forward the lessons of the past with hope and unity. Students were encouraged to write down actions they will take to embody the Oklahoma Standard, contributing to a community that remembers its past while building a resilient future.

As Representative Banning put it, “We have to continue to remember that. That’s why I stayed here. That’s why I’m a state representative now.” This sentiment echoes the broader message of the event: out of tragedy comes the opportunity for unity and the reaffirmation of the Oklahoma Standard.